A/HRC/33/17 63. Sweden welcomed the delegation. 64. Switzerland underlined that its accepted recommendation to ratify the Optional Protocol to the Convention against Torture had yet to be implemented, and noted that the legal framework on abortion remained restrictive despite the Protection of Life During Pregnancy Act 2013. 65. Thailand congratulated Ireland on its ratification of the Optional Protocol to the Convention on the Rights of the Child on a communications procedure and the second National Action Plan on Women, Peace and Security. It encouraged Ireland to adopt a national human rights action plan. It was concerned at the high incidence of violence against women and children. 66. The former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia commended Ireland for its support for civil society organizations and its establishment of the Inter-Departmental Committee on Human Rights, and requested an update on ratification of the Optional Protocol to the Convention against Torture. 67. Timor-Leste welcomed the adoption of the Children (Amendment) Act 2015, repealing detention of children in adult prison facilities, and the strengthening of inpatient child and adolescent mental health services. 68. Togo welcomed the development of the strategy on domestic, sexual and genderbased violence, containing an action plan for ratifying the Council of Europe Convention on Preventing and Combating Violence against Women and Domestic Violence. 69. Turkey noted the economic difficulties of Ireland and welcomed the recent measures that had boosted public resources and improved housing, social security and health care. It noted steps to encourage co-education, diversity and tolerance of other faiths and the commitment to ratify the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities. 70. Ukraine welcomed the establishment of consultations with young people, the Court of Appeal, the Irish Human Rights and Equality Commission and the second national strategy on domestic, sexual and gender-based violence. 71. The United Arab Emirates welcomed the establishment of the Child and Family Agency and the Child Protection and Human Exploitation Unit, and the adoption of the Children First Act. 72. The United Kingdom welcomed the decision to extend marriage rights to same-sex couples and the constitutional amendment strengthening children’s rights. It encouraged Ireland to ratify the Optional Protocol to the Convention against Torture. 73. Slovenia welcomed the ratification of the Optional Protocol to the Convention on the Rights of the Child on a communications procedure and the Convention on Access to Information, Public Participation in Decision-Making and Access to Justice in Environmental Matters, and the adoption of legislation on same-sex marriage. It noted persistent challenges regarding freedom of religion or belief in the education system and on access to abortion. It regretted that its previously accepted recommendations on ratification of the Optional Protocol to the Convention against Torture and the Optional Protocol to the Convention on the Rights of the Child on the sale of children, child prostitution and child pornography had not been implemented. 74. Uruguay welcomed the constitutional and legal measures Ireland had adopted against discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity, and the establishment of the Irish Human Rights and Equality Commission. Uruguay noted that the treaty bodies had underlined the restrictiveness of legislation on abortion. 8 GE.16-12337