A/HRC/26/9 39. Indonesia noted efforts to promote and protect human rights in Vanuatu, in particular the various strategies to ensure the rights of women, the right to education and the right to health. It expressed its appreciation for efforts to develop the National Disability Policy and Plan of Action and the National Children’s Policy 2008–2015. Indonesia made recommendations. 40. Iraq noted important legislation promulgated, which would be implemented through national plans to ensure the political rights of women. It welcomed the accession to CAT and commended advances made towards gender equality, as well as the establishment of the Ombudsman Office to deal with complaints. Iraq made recommendations. 41. Ireland acknowledged the appointment of an interim national human rights committee. It welcomed the ratification of CAT and accession to the Rome Statute of the ICC, but noted that it had yet to ratify the Agreement on Privileges and Immunities of the ICC, and the need for national legislation to be fully aligned with the Rome Statute. It also commended the ratification of UNCAC and the development of a bill on freedom of information. Ireland made recommendations. 42. Malaysia noted ongoing policies and programmes initiated to enhance the protection of human rights, particularly the rights of women, children and persons with disabilities, and increased efforts in the areas of health and education. It encouraged Vanuatu to intensify efforts to establish a NHRI in accordance with the Paris Principles. It supported the request made by the Government for additional technical and financial assistance from the international community for the implementation of human rights conventions. Malaysia made a recommendation. 43. Maldives welcomed the accession of Vanuatu to the Rome Statute of the ICC, as well as the ratification of CRPD and CAT. It urged Vanuatu to expedite the establishment of a NHRI through assistance from OHCHR and international partners. It encouraged increased efforts to raise awareness of and provide platforms for community-level involvement in the new National Climate Change and Disaster Risk Reduction Policy. It also encouraged the Government to continue efforts to raise awareness of the prosecution of sexual offences and domestic violence, to continue training law enforcement officials and to conduct community training programmes in those areas. Maldives made recommendations. 44. Mexico appreciated progress made by Vanuatu in assessing its education needs. It noted, however, that free compulsory public primary education should be guaranteed. It encouraged Vanuatu to promote a culture of continuous education among its people, emphasizing the importance of secondary and university education for all. The UPR process would help Vanuatu in addressing its human rights challenges. Mexico made recommendations. 45. Canada requested information on specific steps taken to ensure changes in customary cultural practices that discriminated against women. It congratulated Vanuatu on its efforts to ensure women’s participation in political life and their accession to leadership roles. It encouraged it to continue to develop policies to foster women’s participation. It was concerned about high levels of domestic violence, violence against women and the lack of equal treatment of women in the justice system. It made recommendations. 46. Morocco commended Vanuatu on being the first Pacific State to ratify CAT, and on ratification of CRPD. It encouraged efforts to incorporate international human rights instruments into domestic legislation. It welcomed the appointment of an interim national human rights committee. It appreciated the priority given to protecting the rights of vulnerable groups. It welcomed efforts to address children’s rights and education. It asked what measures were envisaged to establish a juvenile justice system. It noted the adoption of the National Plan of Action for Women 2012–2016. It supported the request of Vanuatu 8