A/HRC/26/9 81. Uruguay praised progress regarding the recognition of women’s rights; plans to provide universal education, focusing on very young children; public strategies and policies to combat HIV/AIDS and sexually transmitted diseases; the extension of a standing invitation to special procedure mandate holders; the ratification of the Rome Statute; the accession to CAT; and progress regarding the incorporation of the principles of the CEDAW into national legislation. It noted that deep-rooted patriarchal attitudes and stereotypes persisted in respect of gender-based roles. Uruguay made recommendations. 82. The Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela noted the role of the Ombudsman’s Office and the constitutional right to be heard at the Supreme Court in cases of the violation of constitutional rights. It commended actions taken by the Department of Women’s Affairs to guarantee gender equality; the policy of free primary education and the right to access education; and measures in the health-care sector. It applauded the development of national programmes in the areas of environmental disaster preparedness, taking into account the impact of climate change. It made recommendations. 83. Viet Nam noted the serious commitment of Vanuatu to the UPR process and the efforts to implement the recommendations accepted during the first cycle. It commended the achievements on legislative reform, the establishment of an interim NHRI and the adoption of specific measures for the improvement of education, health care, people’s representation and mechanisms to increase women’s participation. It urged the international community to continue providing technical assistance to facilitate the State’s ongoing UPR review process. Viet Nam made recommendations. 84. Algeria noted tangible progress in the implementation of the recommendations of the first UPR cycle and efforts to improve living conditions, particularly in the areas of health and education. It also noted plans and policies for the elimination of discrimination against women, and legislation to ensure the protection of rights in areas such as employment and local government management. It also noted that Vanuatu had ratified CAT and UNCAC. Algeria made recommendations. 85. Argentina congratulated Vanuatu on being the first Pacific country to accede to CAT and encouraged it to continue efforts to fulfil its obligations thereunder. While noting the efforts to pass a comprehensive law on children and to develop the National Policy and Action Plan on Gender Equality and Women’s Development 2014–2017, it urged the country to use those initiatives to address remaining challenges in those areas. It also noted the National Strategic Plan for HIV and STIs 2014–2018. Argentina made recommendations. 86. The delegation from Vanuatu replied to the additional questions. It recalled that Vanuatu had ratified UNCAC in July 2011 but was yet to transpose the Convention into its national laws. In August 2013, Vanuatu had provided its initial report on chapters 3 and 4 of UNCAC, with the assistance of UNODC. 87. The specific measures adopted on domestic violence included the review of the Family Protection Act, and the establishment of authorized persons and registered counsellors and of family protection units in all provinces, which had benefited both men and women, including women and girls with disabilities. 88. With regard to the question on the implementation of its first-cycle UPR recommendations, the delegation reiterated information provided in its opening statement on the State’s achievements and the challenges encountered. On technical assistance, since the 2009 UPR, Vanuatu had received considerable technical assistance from OHCHR on the implementation of CAT and the establishment of the interim national human rights institution and the external inspection team to inspect prison conditions. 13