A/HRC/21/12 46. Timor-Leste recognized the Philippines’ commitment to human rights and its ratification of the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities, the Optional Protocol to the Convention against Torture, the Rome Statute, the Anti-Torture Law and the Magna Carta of Women. It commended the Philippines’ targeted anti-poverty programmes and encouraged their continuation to protect the most vulnerable and disadvantaged from the current economic and financial crisis. It noted that the Philippines’ Armed Forces and National Police had been instrumental in combating extrajudicial killings and enforced disappearance. Timor-Leste made a recommendation. 47. Trinidad and Tobago commended the Philippines’ initiatives to mainstream and broaden the Government’s commitment to human rights, advancements on economic and social rights, the promotion of women’s and children’s rights and the establishment of mechanisms to protect civil and political rights. It made recommendations. 48. Turkey welcomed the Philippines’ development policies, the implementation of programmes to protect vulnerable persons and children, the harmonization of domestic laws with human rights treaties and its role with regard to the United Nations and ASEAN, particularly combating human trafficking. Turkey made a recommendation. 49. United Arab Emirates appreciated the Philippines’ initiatives, including that of the President to combat poverty, which deserves further encouragement. It made a recommendation. 50. The United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland commended the Philippines’ ratification of the Optional Protocol to the Convention against Torture and the Rome Statute, but urged the Philippines to ensure the rule of law, legal redress and an independent judiciary. It voiced concern about corruption levels and slow convictions. The United Kingdom made recommendations. 51. The United States of America commended the Philippines’ efforts to combat human trafficking and provide enhanced access to justice in general, but expressed concern at the access to justice for the families of victims of extrajudicial killings and enforced disappearances committed by the security forces. It also noted that institutional barriers to fighting impunity and corruption hindered progress. The United States made recommendations. 52. Uruguay appreciated the Philippines’ progress on economic and social rights, the ratification of the Rome Statute and the adoption of new legislation on crimes against humanity. It welcomed the invitation issued to the Special Rapporteur on trafficking in persons. Uruguay made recommendations. 53. Uzbekistan referred to the legislative, administrative and judicial measures taken to promote a human rights culture and ensure the implementation of the Philippines’ human rights obligations. It requested information particularly on recent legislative changes to ensure social and security protection for women who were affected by natural disasters and the economic crisis. Uzbekistan made a recommendation. 54. Venezuela (Bolivarian Republic of) noted the Philippines’ implementation of the second Human Rights Plan 2012–2017 and the Development Plan 2011–2016 to achieve, among others, the Millennium Development Goals. It welcomed the setting up of the group to combat poverty and the training of law enforcement officials on human rights. Venezuela made recommendations. 55. Viet Nam appreciated the Philippines’ commitments to human rights, particularly the second Human Rights Plan 2012–2017, its pursuit of the Millennium Development Goals and implementation of the recommendations of the first UPR. It applauded the Philippines’ efforts to meet its commitments to instruments such as the Convention on the Rights of the Child and the Convention against Torture. Viet Nam made recommendations. 8