A/HRC/15/5 32. Qatar highlighted the adoption by the National Assembly of some 90 laws for the promotion of human rights, particularly in the areas of women’s and children’s rights, freedom of the press, education and health. Qatar welcomed efforts made by Laos to adopt and implement programmes to eradicate poverty and raise living standards in accordance with the Millennium Development Goals. 33. Pakistan noted the decision of Laos to enter into human rights dialogue with other countries, which provided an opportunity to exchange good practices. Pakistan recognized the country’s socio-economic development policies, through which investments were made in rural development to alleviate poverty. Pakistan expressed the hope that Laos would request and receive technical assistance from the international community, for socioeconomic development, national capacity development and human rights training. 34. France commended Laos for its recent ratification of important human rights conventions. It congratulated Laos on the existence of a de facto moratorium on the death penalty since 1989. It expressed concern at the situation of the Hmong and the persistence of certain discriminatory laws and practices in the area of freedom of religion, as well as restrictions on the freedom of expression. 35. The Netherlands referred to the situation of the Lao Hmong people sent from Thailand to Laos in 2009, including recognized refugees selected for third-country repatriation. It expressed concern at the vulnerable situation of children with regard to trafficking and sexual exploitation. The Netherlands also referred to reported attempts by local officials to force Christians to recant their faith. 36. Slovenia noted that the two mandate holders who had visited Laos had expressed appreciation for the cooperation and assistance extended to them. However, although the situation concerning freedom of religion seemed to have improved, the Special Rapporteur on Freedom of Religion remained concerned about individual cases and certain policies violating that freedom. Slovenia inquired about measures intended to implement the Special Rapporteur’s recommendations. 37. Sri Lanka expressed appreciation for achievements in terms of poverty alleviation, the right to work, education and health, as well as the efforts of Laos to graduate from its least developed status by 2020. It observed that challenges remained with regard to freedom of religion and welcomed the visit by the Special Rapporteur on Freedom of Religion, expressing the hope that her report would assist the Government in improving the situation. 38. Belarus noted that Laos has established a broad legislative basis for guaranteeing the promotion of human rights. Belarus further noted the willingness of the Government to improve the judicial system, as well as efforts to eradicate poverty. It appreciated the efforts of Laos, as a party to the Convention on the Rights of the Child, to implement the National Plan of Action and the National Programme to combat the trafficking and sexual exploitation of children. 39. Thailand noted the progress achieved by Laos, including the adoption over the years of more than 90 laws that had had an impact on human rights. It appreciated the ongoing implementation of the Master Plan on the Development of the Rule of Law. It welcomed the efforts made in the socio-economic area. It noted, however, that there were still various challenges to overcome, such as poverty and underdevelopment. 40. Venezuela (Bolivarian Republic of) commended the Lao people for having overcome decades of colonial domination and invasions by neocolonial Powers. It noted efforts in the field of women’s rights and highlighted the increase in the number of women in high governmental positions. It also noted improvements in the private sector, where women now accounted for more than half of the workforce. 7