A/HRC/44/6 31. Germany welcomed the progress in implementing human rights instruments and hosting special rapporteurs, while remaining concerned at restrictions on freedom of expression, association and assembly. 32. Honduras expressed satisfaction at measures taken to strengthen the legal and normative framework for children’s rights, and to increase women’s and girls’ access to education. 33. Iceland welcomed the recent reduction in the scope of offences for which the death penalty could be imposed. 34. India acknowledged the challenges faced and commended the achievements of the Lao People’s Democratic Republic in meeting most of the Sustainable Development Goals, in particular the significant reduction in poverty levels. 35. Indonesia commended progress in economic, social and cultural rights, emphasizing the need for continued cooperation to reduce the poverty gap between urban and rural areas. 36. The Islamic Republic of Iran commended the Lao People’s Democratic Republic for accepting nearly 60 per cent of the recommendations made during the previous cycle of the universal periodic review. 37. Iraq welcomed the commitment of the Lao People’s Democratic Republic to submitting national reports to treaty bodies and to developing national plans to promote the rule of law and good governance. 38. Ireland encouraged the Lao People’s Democratic Republic to take steps to further strengthen the human rights framework by establishing a national human rights institution in accordance with the principles relating to the status of national institutions for the promotion and protection of human rights (the Paris Principles). 39. Italy appreciated the adoption of constitutional amendments to better protect human rights and the law on combating violence against women and children. 40. Japan expressed appreciation for the adoption of laws to improve human rights, the submission of four reports to treaty bodies and the acceptance of visits from two special rapporteurs. 41. Jordan expressed appreciation for the adoption of 42 new pieces of legislation since 2015, testifying to the country’s commitment to improving human rights. 42. Kuwait applauded the adoption of laws, the development of plans and the strengthening of cooperation with the international community and mechanisms on human rights protection. 43. Kyrgyzstan welcomed the strengthening of the legislative and policy frameworks in the field of children’s rights, in particular the adoption of national plans for mothers and children. 44. Latvia welcomed information on the country’s cooperation with special procedure mandate holders. Latvia expressed concern about continued restrictions on freedom of expression. 45. Luxembourg expressed appreciation for its bilateral partnership with the Lao People’s Democratic Republic. It encouraged the authorities to ensure that national policies supported equitable development throughout the whole country. 46. Malaysia lauded the country’s commitment to developing and improving laws and policies to guarantee people’s rights, and expressed appreciation for the contribution made by the Lao People’s Democratic Republic to building the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) Community. 47. Maldives commended the measures taken to raise awareness of the country’s Constitution by facilitating access to legal information. 48. Malta welcomed the country’s cooperation with treaty bodies and special procedure mandate holders, as well as the measures taken to improve freedom of expression and of association, and to safeguard women and families. 5