A/HRC/17/5 61. Indonesia noted that domestic violence and human trafficking remained pressing issues and supported recommendations for the introduction of more comprehensive legislation and more stringent enforcement of existing laws in these areas. It hoped that Nepal’s cooperation with international human rights mechanisms and bodies would intensify and flourish. Indonesia made a recommendation. 62. Azerbaijan commended Nepal for the establishment of peace and the steps taken to promote women’s rights. It recognized the difficulties experienced by Nepal from the long armed conflict. Azerbaijan asked about progress on the preparation of a national policy for children and made recommendations. 63. The Lao People’s Democratic Republic welcomed Nepal’s achievements to attain political stability and economic development and the priority given to human rights. It highlighted the need for continued support from the international community It made recommendations. 64. France expressed concern regarding infringements to freedom of expression, association and information in Nepal, particularly against journalists and human rights defenders. France noted with satisfaction the establishment of a National Human Rights Commission. France made recommendations. 65. Malaysia welcomed Nepal’s Three-Year Interim Plan focussing on poverty alleviation and human rights. Malaysia was of the view that more could be done to improve and safeguard human rights, particularly of indigenous peoples, ethnic minorities and other marginalized and vulnerable sections of society. It made recommendations. 66. The United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland applauded the Supreme Court’s role in protecting human rights. It expressed concern over impunity. It asked about legislation on enforced disappearances; the establishment of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission and the Disappearances Commission; and bringing to justice perpetrators of human rights violations. It made recommendations. 67. Germany asked about Nepal’s plans to improve the legislative framework and combat discriminatory practices; the enactment of the comprehensive law on violence against women; and the criminalization of torture and improving and enforcing the rule of law. It made recommendations. 68. Slovakia commended Nepal for its ratification of international human rights instruments, cooperation with OHCHR and “A”-status National Human Rights Commission. Slovakia highlighted the long-standing discrimination and social exclusion associated with gender, caste, class, ethnicity, disability and geography. Slovakia made recommendations. 69. Saudi Arabia referred to achievements in legislation and institution building.. It noted that since 2005 Nepal has been hosting a country office of OHCHR and was working closely with special procedures. It noted the adoption of a plan to promote a culture of human rights. It made recommendations. 70. The United States of America referred to the continuation of commitments to protect vulnerable populations, including refraining from forcibly returning asylum-seekers, and ending violence against women. It expressed continued concern about the judicial system, accountability for human rights violations, tolerance of intimidation and labour exploitation. It made recommendations. 71. Poland welcomed the establishment of the various bodies engaged in the defense of human rights but pointed out the challenges faced in practice. Poland asked about the steps taken to further improve the situation of women, children, Dalits, ethnic and linguistic communities. Poland made recommendations. 9