A/HRC/37/17 43. Montenegro noted the constitutional reform and encouraged the adoption of a new Bill of Rights. Montenegro urged investigations into cases of unlawful detention, torture and sexual violence by security forces. 44. Morocco welcomed the ratification of international treaties, the strengthened independence of the Human Rights Commission of Sri Lanka, the National Human Rights Action Plan 2017–2021, and efforts concerning the right to health. 45. Myanmar welcomed the National Human Rights Action Plan 2017–2021, the National Action Plan on Sexual and Gender-based Violence, and the country’s engagement with the United Nations human rights mechanisms. 46. Namibia commended the constitutional reforms, the National Human Rights Action Plan 2017–2021 and the national plan to end sexual and gender-based violence. 47. Nepal welcomed the constitutional reforms, the strengthened Human Rights Commission of Sri Lanka, the National Human Rights Action Plan and reconciliation efforts. Nepal encouraged Sri Lanka to abolish the death penalty. 48. The Netherlands welcomed progress regarding freedom of expression and the media, and the 25 per cent quota for women in local elections. It noted with concern the slow progress in the constitutional reform and transitional justice process. 49. New Zealand welcomed the constructive approach of Sri Lanka to addressing postconflict reconciliation issues. 50. Nicaragua welcomed the National Policy on Reconciliation, the Office on Missing Persons and the National Human Rights Action Plan 2017–2021. 51. Norway noted steps towards mainstreaming non-discrimination and equality in the legal framework, and provisions for increasing women’s representation on local councils. 52. Pakistan welcomed the Assistance to and Protection of Victims of Crime and Witnesses Act, of 2015, efforts concerning poverty alleviation, the investment in health services, and progress on women and children’s rights. 53. Peru encouraged Sri Lanka to consolidate the independence of the Human Rights Commission of Sri Lanka and praised efforts related to the right to education. 54. The Philippines noted positively the strengthening of the Human Rights Commission of Sri Lanka, the National Human Rights Action Plan, and the introduction of human rights in the curriculum of secondary schools. 55. Poland commended efforts to protect the rights of the child and to introduce human rights education. It expressed concern about the insufficient protection of rights of religious minorities. 56. Portugal made recommendations. 57. Qatar commended the National Human Rights Action Plan and the strategic plan on trafficking in human beings. 58. The Republic of Korea welcomed the constitutional amendment that had enabled the setting up of independent commissions, including the Human Rights Commission of Sri Lanka. It commended the establishment of the Office on Missing Persons. 59. The Russian Federation welcomed the National Human Rights Action Plan, measures on reconciliation, the ratification of the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities, and the improvement of legislation to protect crime victims and to guarantee freedom of expression. 60. Sri Lanka noted that the Constitutional Council was in the process of nominating to the President seven commissioners for the Office on Missing Persons, for appointment. The Secretariat for Coordinating Reconciliation Mechanisms had already been working with the International Committee of the Red Cross to obtain expertise related to the setting up of the Office. The Government had drafted bills for a reparations office and a truth and reconciliation commission. 6

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