A/HRC/14/10 improving relevant laws and practices. Slovenia noted reports by human rights mechanisms that violence against women was widespread and asked about measures to address that concern. Slovenia made recommendations. 82. Sri Lanka praised the progress made in terms of social cohesion, peaceful coexistence, political stability and economic development. It noted the development of an institutional framework for the protection of human rights, the strengthening of the independence of the judiciary, and Kazakhstan’s ratification of seven United Nations human rights instruments. Sri Lanka was satisfied with the achievement of Millennium Development Goals in the areas of poverty reduction, primary education and women’s rights. Sri Lanka made recommendations. 83. The Philippines congratulated Kazakhstan on the large number of core human rights treaties ratified and its cooperation with human rights mechanisms. It welcomed the virtual abolition of the death penalty, the third action plan on human trafficking and Kazakhstan’s active role in promoting interfaith dialogue. It also noted progress made in education and efforts to enhance human rights education. The Philippines made recommendations. 84. The Republic of Korea requested information about measures to improve the criminal justice system and the independence of the Human Rights Commission and the Ombudsman. It welcomed the recent introduction of amendments affecting the media, but noted concerns expressed regarding excessive restrictions on journalists. It made recommendations. 85. Qatar noted that Kazakhstan had taken significant steps towards the achievement of the Millennium Development Goals and the protection of human rights, including in the areas of poverty reduction and education. Noting that Kazakhstan had signed the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities, Qatar asked about the time frame for its ratification. Qatar made a recommendation. 86. Japan welcomed Kazakhstan’s ratification of international human rights instruments and its cooperation with special procedures and OHCHR. Japan expressed the hope that Kazakhstan’s human rights institutions would be further strengthened. Japan expressed appreciation for efforts made in the fields of education, health care and social security. Japan made recommendations. 87. Singapore congratulated Kazakhstan on improvements related to economic, social, cultural, civil and political rights. It noted that Kazakhstan had worked to strengthen the rule of law and to eradicate corruption. It commended Kazakhstan on having improved the legal framework and the quality of judicial and law enforcement personnel through training. 88. Sweden noted reports concerning restrictions on the freedom of assembly as well as Kazakhstan’s plan to formulate a draft law on assembly. With regard to the law on the Internet, Sweden stated that extensive and vaguely formulated restrictions on content and registration requirements for users might limit the right of freedom of expression. Sweden made recommendations. 89. Morocco highlighted the importance of Kazakhstan’s efforts to comply with its international obligations towards vulnerable groups, especially refugees and migrants, and welcomed the formulation of a draft law regarding the status of asylum seekers and refugees. Morocco noted the intention to establish a national mechanism for the prevention of torture. It also expressed appreciation for the emphasis placed on the protection of the environment. Morocco made recommendations. 90. Thailand welcomed the National Human Rights Action Plan and noted the existence of various human rights bodies, in particular the Human Rights Commissioner and the Presidential Commission on Human Rights. Thailand expressed appreciation for the fact that law enforcement and prison officials had been trained in human rights and asked 13