A/HRC/27/8 57. The Lao People’s Democratic Republic noted the adoption of human rights legislation and progress in alleviating poverty and promoting gender equality, youth employment and access to free education and health care. It made a recommendation. 58. Latvia applauded the ratification of the optional protocols to the Convention on the Rights of the Child on the involvement of children in armed conflict and on the sale of children, child prostitution and child pornography. It highlighted the important role of the human rights special procedures. Latvia made recommendations. 59. Madagascar recognized the strengthened normative and institutional framework and encouraged Bhutan to continue the democratic process. It noted progress in promoting the right to education, children’s rights and the right to health. Madagascar made recommendations. 60. Malaysia expressed appreciation for the strengthening of national institutions, as it had previously recommended. It noted the strengthened rule of law and democracy, consolidated by successful elections in 2011 and 2013. Malaysia made a recommendation. 61. Maldives noted progress towards universal education, including for children with disabilities, which required support from the international community. It noted the improved legislative framework. The Gross National Happiness Index had improved development indices. Maldives made recommendations. 62. Regarding women’s participation in politics, the delegation stated that, in line with the current Government’s pledge to establish legal quotas for women’s participation in politics, the National Commission for Women and Children had taken many steps, including the establishment of the Bhutan Network for Empowering Women. 63. To improve access to justice for female victims of violence, the delegation explained, the Domestic Violence Prevention Act of 2013 allowed domestic violence cases to be filed not only by the police but also by a victim, a complainant, a protection officer or a service provider. The involvement of the judiciary in issuing protection orders to victims also improved access to justice for victims. 64. In response to comments on youth unemployment, the delegation stated that the Government was drafting a national employment policy and improving coordination between the private sector and government agencies to better align skills with available jobs. Steps were being taken to establish a business opportunity and information centre to provide credit particularly to small and medium-sized enterprises, and to explore overseas employment opportunities for young people. 65. Mauritius welcomed the parliamentary elections of 2013. It noted that an improved institutional framework was supported by resources and legislation, that primary education was free and compulsory, and that happiness was recognized as a development paradigm. Mauritius made a recommendation. 66. Mexico welcomed the participation of civil society in the preparation of the national report. It expressed concern regarding the lack of ratification of international instruments, including the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, the Convention against Torture and the Rome Statute of the International Criminal Court. Mexico made recommendations. 67. Mongolia highlighted the strengthening of democracy and the rule of law as well as new legislation promoting judicial independence and legal reform. It welcomed the signature of the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities and urged Bhutan to become a party to other instruments. Mongolia made a recommendation. 68. Montenegro noted efforts to improve the institutional and legislative framework. It asked about plans to improve cooperation with international human rights mechanisms and 8