A/HRC/19/8 50. On the issue of torture, the delegation indicated that torture was prohibited under the Constitution and that the Government had been working to include a definition of torture in domestic law. 51. Thailand has been also considering withdrawing reservations made under article 7 of the Convention on the Rights of the Child, article 16 of the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination against Women and articles 6 and 9 of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights. 52. India noted Thailand’s normative and institutional framework to protect human rights, particularly the rights of children, women, the elderly, disabled persons, ethnic groups and migrants. India commended Thailand’s acceptance of refugees and displaced persons, the assistance provided to migrant workers and its commitment to combating human trafficking, child prostitution and violence against children. It asked about Thailand’s experience in implementing policies and strategies for early-childhood development. 53. Qatar welcomed measures taken to protect vulnerable groups and to address child labour, including through the creation of a national committee to end the worst forms of child labour, headed by the Prime Minister, and the enactment of laws to protect the rights of persons with special needs. Qatar asked whether the implementation of the policy of education for all comprised Muslim women in the South. Qatar made recommendations. 54. Lebanon noted the commitment shown by Thailand to uphold values of democracy through the organization of elections and by speeding up the reconciliation process. It noted positively the efforts undertaken to improve the women- and child-friendliness of the criminal justice system. Lebanon made recommendations. 55. Egypt recognized the steps taken to ensure political stability and justice for all and noted the attention paid to the establishment of a robust human rights infrastructure. It requested further information on the efforts made to ensure gender equality, empowerment of women and to combat child labour and exploitation. It requested updates on the steps taken to address social and economic inequalities. Egypt made recommendations. 56. Oman noted that Thailand had been among the first 48 nations to adopt the Universal Declaration of Human Rights in 1948, was party to many fundamental human rights treaties, and worked towards the protection of human rights at the regional and international level. Oman made recommendations. 57. Norway appreciated Thailand’s cooperation with human rights mechanisms. It acknowledged Thailand’s need to strike a balance between protecting the constitutional monarchy and the right of individuals to express their views. Norway stood ready to share its experience in that regard. It was concerned about the dramatic increase of lese-majesty charges and convictions in recent years. It welcomed the Truth for Reconciliation Commission. Norway made recommendations. 58. Pakistan highlighted Thailand’s commitment to human rights, including through its serious engagement with the human rights system and its hosting of an OHCHR regional office. Pakistan recognized the significant decrease in the poverty rate over the past two decades and took good note of the Government’s efforts to combat human trafficking. Pakistan made a recommendation. 59. The Republic of Moldova commended Thailand for developing mechanisms for the protection of human rights, including a National Committee on Human Rights Policy, and applauded the Government for the implementation of the Second National Human Rights Plan of Action. It acknowledged the efforts taken to achieve equality between men and women and combat human trafficking. It made recommendations. 9