A/HRC/38/14 54. The State of Palestine expressed appreciation for efforts to improve and advance education, including through the 2017–2020 Strategic Plan of the Ministry of Education. 55. The Sudan welcomed steps taken to achieve National Vision 2021, and efforts to combat human trafficking and to strengthen the protection of labour rights. 56. Sweden made recommendations. 57. Switzerland expressed regret at the fact that its recommendations from the second universal periodic review cycle had not been accepted, and encouraged full cooperation with the special procedures of the Human Rights Council. 58. Thailand welcomed the adoption of Federal Act No. 15 of 2017 on domestic service, and the establishment of the Gender Balance Council and the National Committee to Combat Human Trafficking. 59. Timor-Leste noted institutions protecting children and youth, and promoting gender equality. It remained concerned that women and men did not have the same rights regarding nationality. 60. Tunisia welcomed the adoption of laws and decrees since the previous review process, particularly those relating to combating discrimination, hatred and human trafficking. 61. Turkmenistan welcomed measures taken to implement review recommendations, including institutional and political measures to promote women’s empowerment. 62. Ukraine commended the consistent approach to human rights, implemented with notable success by institutions guided by national policies and strategies. 63. The United Kingdom recognized the change to national legislation allowing State security cases to be heard by the Federal Court of Appeal. 64. The United States of America commended efforts to protect migrant workers, women, children and persons with disabilities, and to promote religious tolerance. 65. The Minister of State for Foreign Affairs of the United Arab Emirates stressed that the United Arab Emirates would establish a national human rights institution, in line with the Paris Principles, in 2018. Accession to the International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights, the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights and a number of other human rights instruments was also being seriously considered. The United Arab Emirates was keen to strengthen its relations with all human rights mechanisms, particularly the special procedures of the Human Rights Council, and would extend invitations to special rapporteurs on relevant issues. 66. After the second universal periodic review cycle, the United Arab Emirates had established the Human Rights Committee, comprising representatives of the Government, federal and local stakeholders and civil society organizations. The Committee had diligently carried out the groundwork for the national report through open consultations with stakeholders and civil society organizations. The body, which raised awareness of human rights through its various programmes and followed up on review recommendations, would be revamped after the third review cycle, with a view to enhancing its performance. 67. The death penalty was applicable only in a few cases. The records proved that the United Arab Emirates was not keen to resort to capital punishment. Its relevant systems would be reviewed in the light of the third review cycle recommendations. 68. Regarding reports of torture, the United Arab Emirates would submit its response to the Committee against Torture. 69. Since the second review cycle, the United Arab Emirates had been working to review, revise and sometimes withdraw reservations to certain international conventions. That process would continue. 70. Support centres had been set up in migrant workers’ countries of origin to review their contracts, and to ensure that employment conditions were met before their arrival. 6

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