A/HRC/42/2 there was positive recognition of the initiatives taken by Bhutan to further promote human rights in the country. 581. Bhutan stressed that, in accordance with the consultative nature of the universal periodic review process, the outcome of the review by the Working Group, along with the recommendations, was shared with all relevant stakeholders in Bhutan, leading to a process of extensive consultations. 582. Bhutan stated that it noted the recommendations made by several Member States to ratify the remaining core international human rights treaties. Bhutan remained committed to the principles of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, and Bhutan would continue to ensure that its national legislations and policies are consistent with international human rights norms and standards. 583. Bhutan noted that the National Assembly introduced the bill to amend the Penal Code to decriminalize homosexuality and discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation. The bill was unanimously adopted by the National Assembly and would be deliberated in the National Council during the upcoming session. 584. Bhutan stated that it supported the recommendation to ratify the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities. It reported that a draft national policy on disability was under consideration by the Government. 585. Bhutan also noted that the process leading to the submission of the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities to the Government would be completed by June next year and that it would be submitted for consideration to the Parliament thereafter. 586. Bhutan reiterated the reasons why it noted the recommendations to ratify the remaining core human rights conventions, primarily being the national state of readiness and the lack of resources for compliance. 587. Bhutan emphasized that it was mindful of its socio-economic development needs, which continues to be its national priority, as it was gearing up to build a resilient and sustainable economy in preparation for its graduation from the Least Developed Country (LDC) category in 2023. 588. Bhutan recognized the importance of multiple platforms provided by the Human Rights Council to collaborate with human rights bodies and its special procedures in addressing human rights issues in its respective national settings. In this regard, Bhutan welcomed the visit of the Working Group on Arbitrary Detention to the country early this year. Bhutan has taken note of the recommendations made by the Working Group on Arbitrary Detention to further address issues related to arbitrary detention and deprivation of liberty. Bhutan will consider the recommendations in positive spirit, with due regard to its national laws. 589. Bhutan noted that the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development aimed to end discrimination and exclusion, and reduce inequalities and vulnerabilities that undermine the potential of its people. Bhutan emphasized that it was committed to the Sustainable Development Goals, which has been adapted as 17 national key result areas. 590. Bhutan stated that climate change is a global concern that would undermine the capacity of many countries to achieve the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. This grim outlook was especially true for Bhutan, where the effects of climate change had manifested itself in many forms with huge economic and social costs. In this regard, Bhutan noted that, while there was a global consensus that climate change affects the vulnerable and the marginalized groups the most, global action to address climate change is far from adequate. 90