A/HRC/22/12 32. Thailand commended the ratification of the Optional Protocol to the Convention on the Rights of the Child, the enactment of new laws and administrative measures as well as the establishment of the National Commission for Human Rights. It also encouraged close collaboration with the international community regarding refugees. It made recommendations. 33. Tunisia noted progress in the promotion and protection of human rights, the constitutional reform, strengthening the independence of judiciary and the creation of the National Human Rights Commission. It praised Pakistan for its hospitality and generosity to refugees, and for combatting terrorism. Tunisia made recommendations. 34. Turkey commended the establishment of an independent Human Rights Commission. It welcomed amendments to the Constitution which resulted in the removal of anti-democratic practices introduced by military rulers. It made recommendations. 35. Turkmenistan noted with appreciation the ratification of ICCPR, CAT, and the CRPD and the Optional Protocol to the Convention on the Rights of the Child on the sale of children, child prostitution and child pornography (OP-CRC-SC). It made recommendations. 36. Uganda expressed appreciation on the ratification of several conventions such as ICCPR, CAT, CRPD and OP-CRC-SC. It commended the legislative reforms and its fight against terrorism. It made recommendations. 37. United Arab Emirates appreciated Pakistan’s efforts to protect economic and social rights, reduction of poverty, and improve education by making available financial and human resources for literacy programmes. It asked about the role of the National Committee for child development and education. It made a recommendation. 38. The United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland would welcome Pakistan’s view of the impact of blasphemy laws and referred to the recent case of Rimsha Masih. It encouraged Pakistan to consider adopting an official moratorium on the death penalty. It also referred to protection and political participation of women minority groups. It made recommendations. 39. The United States of America commended Pakistan for passing strong laws to protect women and the establishment of a National Human Rights Commission. It expressed serious concerns about the human rights situation in Baluchistan and also the violence against Shia, Christian and Ahmadi communities. It made recommendations. 40. Uruguay commended Pakistan for the approval of the 18th Constitutional Amendment and the creation of the National Commission for Human Rights. Uruguay expressed concern about the forced recruitment and military training of children by nonState agents, as well as for more than 8,000 prisoners on death row. Uruguay made recommendations. 41. Uzbekistan outlined the Constitution’s amendments to strengthen democratic institutions, and to ensure greater autonomy for regional authorities. It referred to the challenges faced in the fight against terrorism and to specific programmes for youth in this context. 42. The Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela praised Pakistan for efforts to address challenges, particularly in the areas of the human rights of women, children, health, education, poverty and social exclusion, notwithstanding its economic limitations and natural disasters. Venezuela made recommendations. 43. Viet Nam commended the progress made in poverty reduction, social welfare and the health system. It noted the strengthening of the rule of law, the reform of the legal 7