A/HRC/43/15 new draft legislation in this area would be in line with the Global Pledge. It also called for the decriminalization of defamation. 33. The United States of America commended Slovenia for launching a joint research project with the World Jewish Restitution Organization to compile a historical record of heirless, formerly Jewish-owned properties in the country. 34. Uruguay commended Slovenia for the adoption of the National Programme for Equal Opportunities for Women and Men for 2015–2020 and for its projects, implemented jointly with non-governmental organizations, aimed at eliminating gender stereotypes. 35. The Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela recognized the work done by Slovenia to implement the recommendations accepted at its universal periodic review of 2014. 36. Afghanistan congratulated Slovenia on its efforts to establish a national human rights institution to be accredited with A status, and on the allocation of additional funds aimed at preventing trafficking in human beings and providing assistance to child victims. 37. Albania welcomed efforts made by Slovenia to support youth, and their integration into the labour market. It encouraged Slovenia to increase efforts to set up a new programme for the protection of the rights of children for 2019–2024. 38. Algeria welcomed the ratification of the Istanbul Convention and of the Optional Protocol to the Convention on the Rights of the Child on a communications procedure. It also noted measures taken to reduce poverty and social exclusion in the country. 39. Angola commended Slovenia for the ratification of important regional and international treaties. Angola highlighted the importance of establishing a national human rights institution in accordance with the Paris Principles. 40. Argentina noted with appreciation the presentation of the midterm report on the implementation of recommendations from the universal periodic review, and welcomed the signing of the declaration on safe schools and the accompanying guidelines. 41. Australia acknowledged that Slovenia had made positive progress since its universal periodic review of 2014, which had included improving its human rights bodies, its judicial system and the situation for “erased” persons. Australia encouraged Slovenia to continue its efforts on those issues. 42. Austria commended Slovenia for the progress made since the last universal periodic review, and in particular the explicit prohibition of corporal punishment and degrading treatment of children. Austria noted with concern that a considerable number of denationalization proceedings were still pending. 43. Azerbaijan was concerned about the reported cases of discrimination against some specific groups, in particular against migrant workers, and noted the necessity of comprehensive anti-discrimination legislation. 44. The Bahamas congratulated Slovenia on the ratification of the Optional Protocol to the Convention on the Rights of the Child on a communications procedure and on the harmonization of the law on marriage and family with the Convention on the Rights of the Child. The Bahamas noted the continued challenges in addressing racial and ethnic discrimination. 45. Bangladesh commended Slovenia for amending the Family Violence Prevention Act to prevent degrading treatment of children, but was concerned about the high prevalence of domestic violence. Bangladesh was concerned about the risk of poverty, and the working conditions, of migrants. 46. Belarus noted the Government’s efforts to protect social and economic rights. However, Belarus noted concerns expressed about conditions in penitentiary institutions, a lack of adequate mechanisms for identifying and supporting victims of human trafficking, discrimination against Roma, and the situation of migrants. 47. Bhutan welcomed the amendments to the Human Rights Ombudsman Act and the establishment of the Advocate of the Principle of Equality. Bhutan noted measures taken to 5