A/HRC/24/14 32. Ireland commended accession to regional and international legal instruments. It was concerned at legislative amendments on the definition of treason and a requirement for certain NGOs to register as “foreign agents”. 33. Italy welcomed the support of the Russian Federation for the General Assembly resolutions on a moratorium on the use of the death penalty. Italy expressed concern about the application of the “combating extremism” law and the 2012 legislation on foreignfunded organizations. 34. Japan welcomed the ratification of CRPD. Japan asked about legal and institutional reform to strengthen judicial independence; and how the “Foreign Agents Registration Act” would be implemented without restricting human rights groups. 35. Jordan welcomed the ratification of several international instruments and efforts to strengthen human rights institutions, including the appointment of commissioners for children’s rights in the Office of the President. 36. Kazakhstan applauded protection of rights by prohibiting discrimination and promoting inter-ethnic relations. It called for improved compliance with international obligations. 37. Kuwait welcomed measures undertaken within the UPR framework. It noted the progress indicated in the national report, particularly the ratification of international conventions and protocols. 38. Kyrgyzstan noted the strengthened institutional framework, including a unit to investigate cases of torture. Despite legal measures, hate crimes continued. 39. The Lao People’s Democratic Republic, noting the democratic structure of Government, welcomed efforts to strengthen the institutional framework, including through the ratification and implementation of international instruments, which should continue. 40. Latvia expressed serious concern regarding disproportionate restrictions imposed on NGOs, which represented a step backward in civil and political rights. 41. Lebanon highlighted the role of the Russian Federation in the mechanisms of the Human Rights Council, including the UPR, implementation of previous recommendations and efforts to strengthen national human rights institutions. 42. Malaysia commended ratification of international instruments, efforts to improve inter-ethnic relations, criminal legislation, decision-making processes for civil society, and the national strategy for social security. 43. Mauritania encouraged the Russian Federation to continue to improve its legal systems. It applauded the Government’s cooperation with Human Rights Council mechanisms. 44. Mexico noted the ratification of CRPD and legislation against trafficking and racial discrimination. It urged continued cooperation with United Nations special procedures. 45. Montenegro asked whether legislation was being adopted to criminalize domestic violence, pursuant to the recommendation by the Committee on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights (CESCR) and encouraged the country to do so. It welcomed ratification of CRPD and signing of 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), encouraging its ratification. 46. Morocco asked about specific measures to combat corruption and to ensure the effectiveness of the judiciary. 6