A/HRC/41/15 81. Malaysia commended progress made, especially in socioeconomic sectors, noting that despite those advancements prevailing challenges in the areas of poverty reduction, health care and education could be better addressed in order to improve living conditions. 82. Maldives welcomed the adoption of the Council of Europe Convention on the Protection of Children against Sexual Exploitation and Sexual Abuse and the national Strategy on the Health Rights of the Child. 83. Malta commended the steps taken over the past four years, in particular those aimed at the advancement of the rights of lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and intersex persons in Cyprus. 84. Mexico recognized advances since the previous cycle, particularly the establishment of the Commissioner for Administration and Human Rights. 85. Montenegro encouraged Cyprus to intensify efforts to adopt a comprehensive bill aimed at fully integrating the provisions of the Istanbul Convention into domestic legislation. Montenegro welcomed the improvement of the overall framework for protecting children from sexual abuse and exploitation. 86. Myanmar appreciated the positive developments in recommendations made during the second review, despite challenges. implementing the 87. Nepal applauded the decision of Cyprus to assume a leading role and coordinate efforts within the region to reverse the impact of climate change, especially in the Eastern Mediterranean. It welcomed the National Action Plan for Gender Equality (2018–2021) and hoped for its effective implementation. 88. The Netherlands encouraged Cyprus to continue efforts towards reunification. It commended progress in the field of equal rights for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and intersex persons. The Netherlands remained concerned, however, about discrimination, particularly on the basis of racial and ethnic background. Further steps needed to be taken to ensure the non-discriminatory application of the law on obtaining nationality and to prevent statelessness. 89. Nicaragua made a recommendation. 90. Nigeria commended Cyprus for its cooperation with human rights mechanisms and for upholding human rights, and its efforts in implementing the previous recommendations. Nigeria acknowledged efforts in protecting the rights of migrants and combating human trafficking. 91. Oman recognized the efforts of Cyprus to promote and protect human rights, particularly cultural rights, to protect cultural heritage, to counter climate change, to promote gender equality and to prevent the sexual abuse and exploitation of children. 92. In replies to questions, the delegation of Cyprus stated that education in public schools was focused on tolerance and respect for other cultures. The Government continued its support for the Imagine Programme, which had been approved by the negotiators of the two communities. During the programme, Greek Cypriot pupils come into contact with their Turkish Cypriot peers accompanied by their teachers and discussed issues of stereotyping, discrimination and racism. 93. The Government had been striving to meet the educational needs of members of religious groups. The Department of Cultural Services promoted and protected the rights of religious groups. Separate funds had been reserved and dedicated to three religious groups, following close consultation with the communities. 94. In the Government-controlled areas, 101 Muslim places of worship were protected, restored and maintained by the authorities. The Government facilitated the ritual services of Turkish Cypriots and other Muslims residing in Cyprus. 95. The legislative framework regulated the identification of children with disabilities, their assessment and placement in the educational setting, provision of teachers, care assistants, educational resources, special equipment and assistive technology and the 8

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