A/HRC/19/8 violence by the security forces; harassment and disappearances of human rights defenders; deaths in custody and prison conditions. Austria enquired about measures to improve the judicial system and the prisons and to reduce the number of women and children in prisons. Austria made recommendations. 32. Bhutan welcomed the priority accorded to the promotion and protection of human rights, especially the rights of women and children, the right to development, gender equality and the fight against human trafficking. It appreciated the setting up of the OneStop Crisis Centres to assist victims and the promulgation of the Bangkok Rules to eliminate discrimination against women prisoners. Bhutan made recommendations. 33. Nicaragua acknowledged the National Human Rights Plan of Action (2009-2013) aimed at strengthening human rights throughout the country. Nicaragua noted the 25-per cent reduction of the poverty rate over 10 years; universal health coverage and the provision of basic education. It acknowledged Thailand’s efforts and results in the last decades. Nicaragua made recommendations. 34. Nepal commended Thailand’s legislative, policy and institutional measures on human rights and its commitment to institutionalize democracy, rule of law and the reconciliation process. Nepal praised the initiatives in health, education and empowerment of women and Thailand’s commitments to the right to work, the rights of children, persons with disabilities, the elderly and marginalized groups. Nepal congratulated Thailand on its socio-economic progress. Nepal made recommendations. 35. The United States of America commended Thailand for its recent elections and encouraged the Government to move forward on the reconciliation process. It welcomed the commitment of the new Government to increase official support for the Truth and Reconciliation Commission to continue its on-going inquiry and fully complete its goals. It made recommendations. 36. Australia was concerned by the casualties of last year’s protests and hoped that the Truth and Reconciliation Commission had access to resources and information. Australia noted Thailand’s commitment to combat human trafficking and encouraged it to ratify relevant international treaties. It suggested that the committee advising on lese-majesty cases consider the right to freedom of expression. Regarding the Southern Thailand conflict, Australia encouraged dialogue and impartial investigations of human rights abuses. Australia made recommendations. 37. Canada noted the significant progress made by Thailand in strengthening human rights, reducing poverty and attaining the Millennium Development Goals. It remained concerned about the inconsistency of special security laws with international standards, including instances of impunity, some restrictions to freedom of expression and the media, refoulement of asylum-seekers and use of the death penalty. Canada made recommendations. 38. Finland commended Thailand’s recognition of existing violence against women, low representation of women in politics and the high rate of HIV/AIDS among women, especially sex workers. Finland enquired about measures to guarantee human rights to sex workers, particularly the right to health. Finland noted the visit requests by several Special Rapporteurs and enquired whether the country will allow such visits. Finland made recommendations. 39. New Zealand commended Thailand for the elections and peaceful transition. It underlined concerns such as the impact of security measures on arbitrary detention, freedom of expression and an alleged significant number of extra-judicial deaths over the past decade. It welcomed Thailand’s efforts to combat abuses against migrants. It made recommendations. 7