A/HRC/41/2 periodic review. The Plan would guide the Government in ensuring that the recommendations are implemented. In this regard, the Government had been in discussions with OHCHR on technical cooperation to implement the recommendations. Further, the Government would continue to seek assistance from its bilateral and multilateral partners to assist it in terms of capacity and infrastructure to ensure the implementation of those recommendations. 645. On the noted recommendations, Vanuatu explained that the Government noted them because they were matters that would require further government consideration. For example, on those recommendations to ratify international human rights instruments, Vanuatu would need to consider its capacity in terms of implementing these instruments before it could ratify them. On those recommendations to raise the minimum age for marriage in compliance with international human rights standards, to eliminate child early and forced marriages; and to amend the Constitution and other relevant legislation to incorporate fully the principle of equality between women and men, the Government would consider them when implementing the supported recommendations related to women and children. 646. Vanuatu acknowledged the technical assistance to support Vanuatu in its universal periodic review processes, provided by the Pacific Island Forum States (PIFS), the Secretariat of the Pacific Community, the Regional Rights Resource Team (SPC/RRRT) in partnership with the Commonwealth, the Melanesian Spearhead Group (MSG), and OHCHR. It also acknowledged the invaluable contributions of civil society on human rights issues of Vanuatu. 647. Vanuatu acknowledged the efforts and work done by the Troika, namely, Angola, Croatia and Iraq, for the third cycle universal periodic review. It also extended its sincere appreciation for the invaluable contributions of States by providing recommendations to Vanuatu, which aimed at ensuring that Vanuatu complies with its international human rights obligations. 648. Moreover, Vanuatu expressed its deepest appreciation to its bilateral and multilateral partners for their continued assistance on matters relating to the implementation of those recommendations. 649. Vanuatu emphasized the significance of the universal periodic review process in ensuring the promotion and protection of human rights in all States. It reaffirmed its commitment to the universal periodic review process and the implementation of those supported recommendations. It would also consider the recommendations it noted in the third cycle universal periodic review for future reference. 2. Views expressed by Member and observer States of the Council on the outcome of the review 650. During the adoption of the outcome of the review of Vanuatu, 12 delegations made statements. 651. China commended Vanuatu for acceding to the core international human rights treaties, including the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination against Women; making efforts to respond to effects of climate change; and protecting the rights of vulnerable groups, including women, children, the elderly and persons with disabilities. It appreciated the acceptance by Vanuatu of the recommendations made by China expressing hope that Vanuatu continues to implement the National Sustainable Development Plan, to reduce poverty, to improve the people’s living conditions, to promote gender equality, and to guarantee the rights of vulnerable people, including women, children and persons with disabilities. 105

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