A/HRC/40/14 Torture and Other Cruel, Inhuman and Degrading Treatment and Punishment and the United Nations Convention against Corruption. 36. Ukraine praised the information provided on improving the national human rights mechanisms in accordance with the general guidelines of the Human Rights Council. It commended the ratification of the International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights and the Optional Protocol to the Convention against Torture and Other Cruel, Inhuman and Degrading Treatment and Punishment, as well as the signing of the United Nations Convention against Corruption and the Paris Agreement under the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change. 37. The United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland commended Belize for fostering a national debate on the sodomy law and the rights of lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and intersex persons but noted with concern that such persons continued to face discrimination in the public sphere, including when making complaints to the police. It recognized the significant steps taken by Belize in addressing the multiple challenges posed by HIV/AIDS and encouraged it to ensure that all regions benefited from increased funding to the health sector, including rural and indigenous areas. 38. The United States of America remained concerned by the human trafficking situation in Belize, particularly official complicity in offences related to human trafficking. It was also concerned by the high rates of gender-based violence, forced labour by migrant workers and child labourers, limited services for the victims and reports of abuse by the security forces amidst growing levels of crime and violence. It appreciated the decriminalization of same-sex sexual conduct among consenting adults, but urged action against violence and discrimination. 39. Uruguay praised the ratification in 2016 of the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities and the three Optional Protocols to the Convention on the Rights of the Child. It urged Belize to continue working along that path and strengthen its commitment to the universal promotion and protection of human rights. 40. The Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela recognized the progress made by Belize in the implementation of recommendations it had accepted from the previous review. It appreciated the sustainable development and growth strategy 2016–2020 and praised the implementation of the opportunities creation programmes, which provided economic and social support to families with no regular income. 41. Viet Nam commended Belize for its efforts to ensure the enjoyment of human rights of its people since the previous review. It noted the achievements in promoting equality and combating discrimination. It stated that initiatives to combat poverty and narrow the income gap should be further advanced. Belize should also make further progress in addressing climate change and managing disaster risk. 42. Algeria welcomed the measures taken in the education sector, including access to primary education for all. It noted the steps that had been taken to facilitate access to birth registration but considered that more efforts were needed in that area. 43. Argentina congratulated Belize for ratifying the International Convention for the Protection of All Persons from Enforced Disappearance. It also took note of the efforts to combat child labour. 44. Australia commended Belize for the steps taken to improve its approach to development and human rights and for supporting the Office of the Ombudsman. It noted that Belize had not carried out any executions since 1985. Australia expressed concern about reports of the excessive use of force and the engagement in corrupt activity by the security forces. It was encouraged by the legal process to decriminalize consensual samesex relationships. 45. The Bahamas congratulated Belize on the significant strides made in protecting human rights, despite the challenges of limited human and financial resources and vulnerability to the effects of climate change and natural disasters. It noted the accession to international human rights instruments and efforts to eradicate trafficking in persons, combat HIV/AIDS and reduce barriers to providing health care in rural and poor 6