A/HRC/15/5 disabilities. It also commended Lao for having achieved a decrease in maternal and child mortality rates. It made a recommendation. 76. Hungary recalled that the fate of Hmong individuals reported to have returned voluntarily to Laos continued to be a source of concern for the international community, as highlighted by the Secretary-General in December 2009. Hungary further noted that the situation of women in rural and remote areas should be accorded special attention, including through their involvement in the design and implementation of local development plans. 77. Lebanon welcomed the efforts made by the Government to increase the protection of human rights and praised its economic development strategy, which would contribute to the improvement of the socio-economic conditions of vulnerable groups. Lebanon also commended Laos for the ratification of a number of international human rights conventions. 78. Belgium acknowledged that Laos had had a difficult historical background. It noted with satisfaction the existence of a moratorium on the death penalty since 1989. Belgium expressed concern that the freedoms of expression and association were rarely respected in practice and that political criticism, the media and the Internet were censored. 79. China noted with appreciation that Laos had experienced continued economic growth as well as progress in human rights. It also noted that Laos was committed to poverty reduction targets and had actively implemented programmes and plans in that area. Furthermore, it commended Laos for its efforts to ensure the right to education, health and work. Recognizing the various challenges faced by Laos, China appealed to the international community to provide it with assistance. 80. Denmark noted with concern reports of torture and asked when the Government intended to ratify the Convention against Torture. Denmark noted with concern reports indicating discrimination against religious minorities and asked for information about measures to ensure freedom of religion. It asked how the Government ensured that indigenous peoples had the opportunity to influence Government decisions and what measures had been taken to avoid their displacement and to ensure compensation. 81. Slovakia welcomed the recent ratification by Laos of ICCPR and CRPD and its planned signing of CAT. However, it expressed concern regarding freedom of expression and strict controls imposed on the media by the authorities, the mistreatment of the Hmong and the persistence of trafficking and sexual exploitation. 82. New Zealand welcomed progress in combating human trafficking, including through the Coordinated Mekong Ministerial Initiative. It referred to the situation of repatriated Lao Hmong, including persons approved by UNHCR for resettlement. New Zealand also expressed concern about reports of discrimination against minorities and restrictions on freedom of religion and freedom of expression. It noted that access to education was limited, especially for women. 83. Australia welcomed the invitation extended by Laos to the Special Rapporteur on Freedom of Religion to visit the country in November 2009. It also welcomed the country’s commitment to extending invitations to other special rapporteurs. However, Australia remained concerned about reports regarding the treatment of religious minorities and noted reports of alleged arrests and detentions on the basis of religion. Australia also expressed concern at the treatment of the Lao Hmong and the situation of some 4,500 Lao Hmong forcibly repatriated in 2009. 84. Luxembourg welcomed the partnership it had established with Laos in the field of development cooperation, which included projects to promote human rights, in particular the right to health, education and food. It noted that, according to UNCT, spending on 12