A/HRC/18/2 on the criminalization of sexual relations of consenting adults of the same sex, in accordance with international standards. It accepted recommendations on the age of marriage and would take appropriate measures to modify or amend legislation in accordance with international standards. Lastly, Palau accepted the recommendations relating to refugees and asylum seekers, and would take measures to enact appropriate legislation in accordance with international standards. 287. Palau looked forward to sharing its progress on the promotion and protection of human rights in four years’ time. Palau was fully committed to its human rights obligations and responsibilities and reiterated its appeal to the international community for assistance, both technically and financially, in its efforts to carry out its human rights responsibilities in the implementation of human rights treaties and the Universal Declaration on Human Rights. 2. Views expressed by Member and observer States of the Council on the review outcome 288. Algeria expressed satisfaction with Palau’s encouraging human rights record. Algeria acknowledged the challenge faced by Palau in implementing all the recommendations accepted. It appreciated Palau’s decision to sign core human rights instruments at the session of the General Assembly, thus demonstrating its engagement to implement the recommendations received. Algeria appealed to the international community to provide Palau with adequate assistance so that it could fulfil its human rights obligations. Algeria recommended that Palau should further review the possible ratification of human rights instruments to which it was not a party, and should establish a national human rights institution. Such action would further consolidate the progress made on the promotion and protection of human rights, including food security, the Millennium Development Goals, combating human trafficking and discrimination and improving the situation of migrant workers. 289. Morocco noted Palau’s exemplary cooperation with the universal periodic review. It welcomed Palau’s acceptance of more than 64 recommendations during the session of the Working Group, 3 of which were made by Morocco. Morocco had invited Palau to continue consultations for the establishment of a national human rights institution; to continue to promote and protect vulnerable persons and activities for the elaboration of a national policy for persons with disabilities; and to study the possibility of adopting a law addressing domestic violence and creating structures for sheltering and protecting victims of violence. Morocco congratulated the State’s commitment to achieve the Millennium Development Goals, despite the difficulties faced, notably a lack of human and financial resources. Morocco supported Palau in its efforts to improve its human rights situation. 290. New Zealand was pleased that Palau had accepted many recommendations and had pledged to extend a standing invitation to special procedures mandate holders. It commended Palau for having started work on assessing the resources necessary to fulfil its obligations under the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities. Palau was also implementing New Zealand’s recommendation to enact laws to protect married women from rape, to ensure that women were not discriminated against in family inheritance, and to protect women from domestic violence. The provision of facilities for temporary shelter and protection for women who were victims of domestic violence was noted. Work was under way to implement its recommendation to improve enforcement of regulations to protect foreign workers and to extend coverage of minimum wage requirements to include foreign workers. New Zealand also welcomed Palau’s commitment and work in progress to establish a national human rights institution. GE.12-17756 121