A/HRC/44/7 24. The Islamic Republic of Iran acknowledged the good cooperation of Spain with the relevant international human rights mechanisms. 25. Iraq commended Spain on its cooperation with treaty bodies and the national plans it had adopted. 26. Ireland commended progress made since the previous cycle, particularly the revision of rules governing incommunicado detention. 27. Italy commended the commitment of Spain to promote gender equality and protect the rights of persons with disabilities. 28. Japan expressed appreciation for the participation of women in the political domain of Spain, as illustrated by the new cabinet. 29. Jordan called for a strengthening of the council that was aimed at combating racial discrimination. 30. Lebanon noted progress in eliminating various forms of violence against women, and steps taken to reduce the wage gap. 31. Lesotho acknowledged the endeavours of Spain to protect and respect the rights of women, especially with respect to protection against violence. 32. Libya commended progress made by Spain in the fulfilment of its obligations to submit its periodic reports to various treaty bodies. 33. Liechtenstein welcomed efforts to implement recommendations since the previous universal periodic review. 34. Luxembourg welcomed the plans for social and economic reforms that the Government intended to implement. 35. Malaysia commended the affirmative action taken since the previous review, especially in the development of national policies. 36. Maldives appreciated the strategic interventions made to integrate women into public life. 37. Malta commended the progress made since the previous review. 38. Mauritania appreciated the steps taken to combat racial discrimination, xenophobia and human trafficking. 39. Mauritius commended the inception and implementation of the national strategy to prevent and combat poverty and social exclusion. 40. Mexico acknowledged the progress made in the promotion of gender equality. 41. Montenegro praised the legal reforms raising the legal age for marriage. 42. Morocco welcomed efforts to combat discrimination in education and to promote equality between men and women. 43. Myanmar expressed concern over school dropout rates, lack of access to education, and trafficking in persons. 44. Namibia remained concerned about the illegal exploitation of natural resources in Western Sahara. 45. Nepal commended achievements in gender parity and sharing the benefits of scientific advancement. 46. The Netherlands welcomed the alignment of recommendations issued under the universal periodic review with the Sustainable Development Goals, and steps taken to combat gender-based discrimination and violence. 47. The Niger congratulated Spain for submitting a midterm report under the universal periodic review and for its financial contribution to OHCHR. 48. Nigeria applauded the efforts made in combating racism, racial discrimination and xenophobia, and in safeguarding the rights of migrants, refugees and asylum seekers. 4