A/HRC/38/14 87. Australia commended the measures to protect migrant workers and to promote gender equality and religious tolerance. It expressed concern that human rights defenders had been arrested without charge. 88. Austria expressed concern about the limitations placed on the freedom of expression and the persecution and arbitrary detention of persons who peacefully expressed dissent. 89. Azerbaijan noted the legislative changes and the establishment of national high-level institutions to protect and promote human rights on the ground. 90. Lebanon praised measures to strengthen the role of women, fight human trafficking and provide support on an annual basis to several OHCHR bodies. 91. Bangladesh welcomed the strengthening of protection for expatriate workers, including through a standard employment contract and the promotion of a wage protection system and of safer working conditions. 92. Belarus welcomed the changes in labour legislation, the approach to enhancing the rights of women and children, and the commitment to fighting human trafficking. 93. Belgium noted the need for further progress, particularly regarding workers’ rights, the prevention of violence against women, and the situation of human rights defenders. 94. Benin welcomed the legislative and regulatory measures adopted to promote and protect human rights. 95. Bhutan noted the increased official development assistance contribution and the support extended to United Nations funds and activities. 96. Botswana encouraged the United Arab Emirates to step up efforts to implement the National Strategy for the Empowerment and Advancement of Emirati Women. 97. Brazil welcomed the achievements since the previous review cycle in areas such as women’s empowerment, the rights of persons with disabilities and the fight against human trafficking. 98. Brunei Darussalam acknowledged the numerous steps taken to protect and empower vulnerable groups, and to ensure their active participation in society. 99. Burkina Faso invited the United Arab Emirates to provide the Gender Balance Council with the legal, human and financial resources necessary to fulfil its mandate. 100. Canada welcomed the steps taken to strengthen the Federal National Council, and encouraged the United Arab Emirates to expand the Council’s role in future legislative reform efforts. 101. Chad encouraged the United Arab Emirates to strengthen cooperation on human rights between governmental institutions and civil society organizations. 102. Chile expressed concern at the fact that measures had not yet been adopted to guarantee the effective and prompt implementation of legislation protecting foreign workers. 103. The Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela commended the creation of the National Strategy for the Empowerment and Advancement of Emirati Women and of the Gender Balance Council. 104. Cuba recognized efforts to reduce the gender gap in the public and private sectors, and asked about the progress made by the Gender Balance Council. 105. Cyprus welcomed the ratification of the Optional Protocol to the Convention on the Rights of the Child on the sale of children, child prostitution and child pornography. 106. Czechia acknowledged the progress made in several human rights areas, and encouraged the United Arab Emirates to continue its efforts in that regard. 107. Denmark welcomed the introduction of a new law to protect domestic workers, however, it expressed concern at continuing discrimination against women and girls. 8