A/HRC/42/9 93. Spain commended Dominica on its co-sponsorship and vote in favour of General Assembly resolution 73/175, the Assembly’s seventh on a moratorium on the use of the death penalty. Spain congratulated the country on the adoption of an amended Sexual Offences Act introducing stiffer sentences for offences classified as marital rape, but noted that gender-based violence continued to pose a real challenge. It noted with concern the legal and social discrimination to which the lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and intersex community in Dominica was subjected. 94. Togo hailed progress made in combating violence against women, promoting and protecting the rights of indigenous peoples, enhancing social protection and fighting poverty. It noted efforts made by the country to cope with a considerable influx of migrants, and welcomed the adoption of measures ensuring that migrants could enjoy their rights and be integrated into all spheres of Dominican society. 95. Trinidad and Tobago noted that the effects of Tropical Storm Erika and Hurricane Maria, which had resulted in extensive damage and loss, remained painful challenges with respect to pursuing and maintaining progress made towards development. It acknowledged the country’s commitment to protect and promote human rights, and took note of steps under way to ratify the International Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Racial Discrimination. It further acknowledged the establishment of the Kalinago Barana Autê model village and the role it would play in the preservation of culture and heritage. The efforts to strengthen systems for the prevention of and response to gender-based violence, the provision of transportation to and from school for students in rural areas and the operationalization of the Small Business Fund were all commendable. 96. Turkey welcomed the progress Dominica had made in the field of human rights, specifically efforts to promote gender equality and combat child abuse. It commended Dominica on placing disadvantaged groups, such as children and adolescents, women and disabled persons, within the scope of the national plan. It was aware of significant challenges with regard to acts of violence, discrimination and other abuses, and welcomed the Government’s efforts to tackle those human rights issues. 97. Ukraine positively noted the measures taken by the Government to implement recommendations from the previous review cycle, especially in light of the devastating consequences of Tropical Storm Erika and Hurricane Maria. Ukraine made recommendations. 98. The United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland thanked Dominica for its continued commitment to the universal periodic review process despite the challenges faced following the devastating effects of natural disasters, most recently in the wake of Hurricane Maria. It welcomed the country’s commitment to ensuring freedom of the media, but noted that defamation remained a criminal offence. It encouraged Dominica to decriminalize defamation and place it under civil law, in accordance with international standards. It also noted the significant strides made in the protection of women and children, and encouraged Dominica to endorse the call to action to end forced labour, modern slavery and human trafficking. Finally, it welcomed the country’s vote of support for the General Assembly resolution on a moratorium on the use of the death penalty, and encouraged Dominica to establish a formal moratorium on executions with a view to eventually abolishing the death penalty. 99. The United States of America commended the Government of Dominica for ensuring adequate prison conditions, protecting the independence of the press and guaranteeing the independence and impartiality of the judiciary. 100. The delegation of Dominica stressed that there was commitment at the highest level to fully implement the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities. The Prime Minister had mandated the ministry responsible for health to work with the Dominica Association of Persons with Disabilities to address all issues and obligations under the Convention. The Government had employed a consultant to help accelerate efforts towards the implementation of the relevant articles of the Convention, in particular articles 9, 11, 21 and 25 to 28. A communications strategy to raise awareness of the Convention was being developed. The terms of reference had been drawn up for a disability committee to work on implementation of the Convention, and an action plan had been developed to include, 11