A/HRC/38/11 47. The State of Palestine commended efforts to strengthen public participation in political life and to improve both governance and the performance of government services. It welcomed the progress made in the sphere of education and the plans to introduce a national action plan to implement the Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights. 48. Australia welcomed the commitment of Luxembourg to gender equality and the rights of lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and intersex persons. It welcomed increased law enforcement procedures to counter human trafficking and commended Luxembourg for legalizing same-sex marriage. It acknowledged the efforts of Luxembourg to support gender equality. 49. The Syrian Arab Republic took note of the national report, the compilation report and the summary of stakeholders’ submissions prepared by OHCHR. It also noted the new legislation and proposed institutional measures to promote human rights. 50. Timor-Leste welcomed the efforts made by Luxembourg to combat and raise awareness of child trafficking, sexual exploitation and sex tourism. It commended, in particular, the facilitation and granting of residence permits to child victims of trafficking. 51. Togo expressed appreciation for the action taken to reduce inequalities between the sexes and to favour social inclusion and the realization of economic and social rights. It welcomed the adoption of a law concerning the recognition of professional qualifications obtained outside the European Union. 52. Tunisia welcomed the measures taken to implement the recommendations received during the previous cycle of the universal periodic review, in particular the strengthening of the institutional and legislative framework for human rights. It also welcomed the efforts to combat human trafficking, as well as the efforts to ensure gender equality and to fight the sexual exploitation of children and women. 53. Ukraine commended the high level of implementation of the recommendations from the second cycle of the universal periodic review. It appreciated the practical contribution of Luxembourg to solving the migration crisis in Europe, as well as the new immigration law of February 2017. 54. The United Kingdom was pleased at the ratification of Protocol No. 15 amending the Convention for the Protection of Human Rights and Fundamental Freedoms. It commended the action taken to combat modern slavery and human trafficking. It hoped that Luxembourg would submit its report under the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights without further delay. 55. The United States of America commended the robust commitment of Luxembourg to human rights and the rule of law. It noted, however, the past reports of prisoner-onprisoner violence, continued challenges in combating gender-based violence, including domestic violence, and trafficking in persons for sexual and labour exploitation. 56. Uruguay highlighted legislative reforms to protect the rights of lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and intersex persons and the ratification of the Optional Protocol to the Convention on the Rights of the Child on a communications procedure and the Optional Protocol to the International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights. 57. The Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela noted the ratification by Luxembourg of international human rights instruments and welcomed the policy of including all foreign children in the educational system from an early age regardless of their migration status. It also highlighted measures to ensure gender equality. 58. Viet Nam welcomed the implementation of public policies for the promotion and protection of economic, social and cultural rights, as well as the rights of vulnerable persons, such as women, children and persons with disabilities. 59. Algeria noted with satisfaction the efforts of Luxembourg to prevent prison overcrowding and the future construction of a new penitentiary centre. It welcomed the issuance of residence permits for child victims of trafficking, and appreciated efforts to raise awareness of child trafficking, sexual exploitation and sex tourism. 6