A/HRC/42/12 participatory and intercultural development of public policy for indigenous peoples 2019– 2024. 46. In order to accelerate the restitution of ancestral lands occupied by non-indigenous people, Costa Rica had developed the National Plan for the Recovery of the Indigenous Territories of Costa Rica 2016–2022, which was currently in its first phase of implementation. The delegation strongly condemned the murder on 18 March 2019 of the indigenous leader Sergio Rojas Ortiz. The President had requested an immediate investigation into that homicide in order to bring the perpetrators to justice. 47. Since the previous review, Costa Rica had taken a number of steps to improve the quality of life of people of African descent. In 2014, it had created the Presidential Commissioner for issues related to persons of African descent to coordinate government action to promote the development of the population of African descent. In 2015, it had launched the International Decade for People of African Descent and the National Recognition, Justice and Development of Afro-descendants Plan 2015–2018. 48. Azerbaijan underlined the progress made by Costa Rica in implementing the recommendations from the previous review cycle, particularly by ratifying several international treaties and amending its Constitution to recognize the multi-ethnic and multicultural character of the State. 49. The Bahamas noted concerns about the conservation of maritime areas. It welcomed the leadership of Costa Rica in presiding over the 2017 United Nations conference to negotiate a legally binding instrument to prohibit nuclear weapons, leading towards their total elimination. 50. Barbados commended Costa Rica for its promotion of human rights, as reflected in the National Policy for Effective Equality between Women and Men 2018–2030, the education regulations and policies aimed at combating racism. 51. Belarus noted the strengthening by Costa Rica of its human rights institutions and its cooperation with OHCHR. It also noted challenges, including regarding migrants and refugees, discrimination against persons with disabilities and indigenous peoples. 52. Belgium acknowledged the progress made by Costa Rica since the previous review cycle. However, it considered that further progress could be made to protect human rights in accordance with international human rights treaties. 53. Benin noted the recognition by Costa Rica of the multi-ethnic and multicultural nature of the country, the Labour Law Reform Act and the prohibition of all discrimination at work, and the implementation of a national development plan. 54. Bhutan noted with appreciation the ratification by Costa Rica of the ILO Domestic Workers Convention and of the Optional Protocol to the International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights, as well as the Constitutional amendment to guarantee respect for cultural diversity. 55. The Plurinational State of Bolivia valued the recognition by Costa Rica of the multiethnic and multicultural nature of the country, which was now reflected in the Constitution, and welcomed the efforts to establish a mechanism for consultation with indigenous peoples. 56. Brazil commended the adoption of the law promoting the personal autonomy of persons with disabilities and the declaration that combating violence against women was a national priority. It also welcomed the progress in the production of disaggregated statistical data. 57. Bulgaria noted with appreciation the adoption of the 2014–2025 national policy for a society free from racism, racial discrimination and xenophobia and its 2015–2018 action plan. It commended Costa Rica for its outstanding environmental record. 58. Canada welcomed the positive steps taken by Costa Rica to fight discrimination and violence against women and girls, as well as against lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and intersex persons. It encouraged Costa Rica to take further action towards achieving equality. 6