A/HRC/34/14 Families; and the implementation of the Universal, Free and Compulsory Education Programme. 29. Algeria welcomed the establishment of the Office of the Deputy Minister for Human Rights and the Fight against Extreme Poverty and of the Interministerial Human Rights Committee. It welcomed the ratification of the International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights and the Optional Protocol to the Convention on the Rights of the Child on the sale of children, child prostitution and child pornography. 30. Angola welcomed the launch of the Humanitarian Response Plan but noted persistent challenges in the areas of nutrition, access to education, prison overcrowding, gender equality and displacement. 31. Argentina commended Haiti for the establishment of the Interministerial Human Rights Committee and the vigorous action taken to improve the situation of displaced persons who returned to the country. 32. Armenia applauded the steps taken to combat human trafficking, violence against women and child domestic labour and to reduce the large number of street children. It welcomed the ratification of the International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights and the Convention against Torture. 33. Australia expressed concern about widespread gender discrimination and mistreatment. It regretted electoral and institutional uncertainties and the lack of independence of the judiciary. It acknowledged the abolition of the death penalty. 34. Austria regretted that commendable policies to improve public education had not yet been implemented. It noted with concern action taken against journalists and human rights defenders. It also expressed concern about child labour. 35. The Bahamas welcomed efforts to enforce anti-corruption legislation and the adoption of an action plan to combat trafficking in persons and the Strategic Development Plan. 36. Bangladesh welcomed the comprehensive strategy on social assistance, the National Plan to Combat Violence against Women and Girls, the Strategic Development Plan and the strengthening of law enforcement agencies and the judicial system. 37. Belgium lamented the slow progress in improving prison conditions. It was concerned about gender-related violence and limited access to justice for victims. 38. The Plurinational State of Bolivia welcomed measures taken to combat extreme poverty. 39. Botswana welcomed the Universal, Free and Compulsory Education Programme, the signing of the Convention against Torture and the ratification of the Optional Protocol to the Convention on the Rights of the Child on the sale of children, child prostitution and child pornography. It expressed concern about child detainees, child domestic workers and gaps in birth registration. 40. Brazil encouraged more vigorous action to prevent and punish trafficking in persons and provide redress for victims. It commended Haiti for the award of A status to the Ombudsman’s Office. 41. Burundi welcomed the ratification of the International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights and the Optional Protocol to the Convention on the Rights of the Child on the sale of children, child prostitution and child pornography and the signing of the Convention against Torture and the International Convention on the Protection of the Rights of All Migrant Workers and Members of Their Families. It encouraged the adoption of the national human rights plan. 6 GE.16-22488