A/HRC/42/2 and poverty among the adolescent population. It also stated its commitment to support Dominica in its national recovery and rebuilding efforts in the aftermath of Hurricane Maria, including through strengthening the national capacity concerning reproductive health in emergencies issues. ’ 640. The Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela acknowledged the efforts of Dominica to implement the recommendations accepted during its second universal periodic review, despite the difficulties and negative impact of the economic crises and natural disasters. It appreciated that Dominica addresses the needs of the elderly, persons with disabilities and other vulnerable groups, through the programme “Yes, we care”. It also welcomed the efforts of Dominica in relation to free universal education, including in rural areas. 641. The Bahamas noted that, notwithstanding the challenges faced by Dominica, its prioritization of commitments with respect to the universal periodic review was commendable. It was pleased that Dominica accepted its recommendations. It noted that Dominica has experienced catastrophic natural disasters in recent years, which have had devastating impacts on the financial and human resources of the country. It encouraged the Human Rights Council and the international community to continue to support Dominica, including its goal of becoming the world’s first climate resilient nation. 642. Barbados applauded the commitment of Dominica to enhance its resilience to climate change. It recognized that the damage caused by storms, that are increasing in intensity on account of changing weather patterns, have threatened the enjoyment of citizens of their human rights. It also encouraged Dominica, in line with its accepted recommendations, to continue implementing policies and programmes on behalf of all citizens, and especially those who are most vulnerable to the debilitating impacts of climate change, on the enjoyment of their human rights. 643. Brazil reiterated its solidarity with Dominica and welcomed the initiative of Dominica to apply the lessons learned in favor of the victims of the Hurricane Dorian. Brazil commended the criminalization of marital rape, as well as the efforts to provide home care for the elderly and critically ill patients. It encouraged Dominica to enforce adequately its National Action Plan on Child Sexual Abuse and to abolish corporal punishment against children in the justice system. It also encouraged Dominica to further address the needs of the most vulnerable persons and to adopt legislation and national policies related to the rights of persons with disabilities. 644. Chile recognized the challenges faced by Dominica, resulting from climate changes that affect disproportionally the most vulnerable population. It welcomed the Resilience Law adopted in 2018, which will contribute to recover and rebuild the country and mitigate the effects of natural disasters. It acknowledged the efforts of Dominica to strengthen its legislative frame to promote and protect human rights, and welcomed the intention of Dominica to initiate a national dialogue on the death penalty. It encouraged Dominica to continue with its efforts and to cooperation with the human rights mechanism to open dialogue spaces and to build an inclusive society. 645. China commended the active participation of Dominica in its third universal periodic review and thanked it for having accepted the recommendations made by China. It hoped that the Government will continue to promote the economic and social development, and that the social protection system will be strengthened to meet the needs of the elderly, persons with disabilities and the most vulnerable persons. 646. Cuba congratulated Dominica for having accepted a number of recommendations, thus demonstrating its commitment to the universal periodic review mechanism. It thanked, in particular, Dominica for having accepted the recommendations made by Cuba regarding the elimination of poverty and increasing health care coverage and education. Cuba wished Dominica a lot of success to implement the recommendations despite the challenges that it 97