A/HRC/15/5 7. The Government had made great efforts to promote human rights and had adopted a Legal Sector Master Plan envisioning a State ruled by law by 2020. A reform of the governance sector was considered a top priority so as to ensure a transparent, accountable and participatory system. In that context, judicial independence had been strengthened and capacity-building had been undertaken for judges, prosecutors, lawyers and police officers. 8. The Government had also adopted laws on the development and protection of women and a Law on the protection of the rights and interests of children. As a result, gender equality and the advancement of women had been enhanced. 9. With regard to international cooperation, it was noted that Laos had already acceded to six core human rights treaties and two optional protocols, and was a party to the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities and a signatory to the Convention on the Protection of All Persons from Enforced Disappearance. Laos had also played an active role in the ASEAN Intergovernmental Commission on Human Rights. The recent visit by the United Nations Special Rapporteur on Freedom of Religion or Belief was another sign of the Government’s sincerity in working with the international community 10. With regard to torture, Laos confirmed that acts of torture and maltreatment were considered criminal offences and that the Criminal Procedure Law did not allow the inhumane treatment of detainees in any circumstances. The Government had undertaken measures to improve prison conditions and had conducted training for prison officers and related personnel on the United Nations minimum standards for the treatment of prisoners. Furthermore, Laos would consider signing the Convention against Torture. 11. As regards the death penalty, it was emphasized that that sentence was intended to deter the most extreme and serious crimes, particularly drug trafficking. Although the death penalty was still in existence legally, no execution had ever taken place. Laos had upheld a moratorium for many years and would consider revising the Penal Law in the coming years, including with a view to limiting the scope of crimes to which the death penalty would apply. 12. It was emphasized that the Lao People’s Democratic Republic consisted of 49 ethnic groups living together in peace and harmony. The Constitution and national legislation and policies encouraged solidarity among all ethnic groups and condemned ethnic discrimination, including against Lao Hmong. Those Lao Hmong who had been illegal migrants in Thailand had been welcomed back and had resettled in designated development areas, and they enjoyed all rights guaranteed by the Constitution, without discrimination. These included the right to freedom of movement within the country and to leave and return to their home country. 13. While referring to significant progress and achievements in advancing human rights, Laos was aware of challenges that needed to be addressed, including with regard to public awareness concerning national laws and regulations, especially among persons living in mountainous and remote areas, and in relation to the effective enforcement of the law. 14. The Government would thus continue its efforts to achieve the country’s poverty alleviation goals and, through continued reform of the public administration and legal system, to further strengthen its capacity to effectively implement domestic laws. B. Interactive dialogue and responses by the State under review 15. During the interactive dialogue, 54 delegations made statements. Additional statements that could not be delivered during the interactive dialogue owing to time 4