A/HRC/19/12 65. Germany asked what was done to prevent and prosecute the assassinations of trade union leaders and members, what steps were taken to avoid unlawful killings and torture and to effectively improve the situation in prisons and better protect prisoners. Germany made recommendations. 66. Pakistan noted that Venezuela had pursued an inclusive consultation process and noted that it used this mechanism to evaluate public policies. It commended Venezuela’s efforts to improve living standards by investing in the social sector. It noted that FAO ranked Venezuela as the tenth-best nourished country in the world. It noted the achievement of the first target of the MDGs. It noted Venezuela’s commitment to remove social inequalities. It made recommendations. 67. The Holy See congratulated Venezuela for the Constitutional protection offered to human life since its inception and for establishing family as a natural association of society; for recognizing marriage as the union between a man and a woman and for the promotion and protection of the rights of women and indigenous peoples. It congratulated Venezuela for its social missions to sustain the most vulnerable social sectors. It made recommendations. 68. Paraguay exhorted Venezuela to continue to make efforts to implement policies aimed at poverty eradication. Paraguay requested information on the initiatives taken by the Government to promote the work of human rights defenders and organizations. It felt confident that the Ombudsman's Office would intensify its work to consolidate the fundamental rights of citizens. Paraguay made recommendations. 69. Zimbabwe commended the Government for having adopted the Simon Bolívar National Project as the foundation for national development. It noted that the Government still faced challenges. Zimbabwe made recommendations. 70. The Lao’s People Democratic Republic acknowledged the achievement of the first target of the MDGs to halve the number of persons living in extreme poverty. It also noted the ratification of many core human rights treaties by Venezuela and improved cooperation with United Nations agencies. The Lao’s People Democratic Republic made a recommendation. 71. Myanmar congratulated the Government for its success on reducing extreme poverty. It noted with appreciation the steps taken by the Government to ensure access to clean water and education. Myanmar made a recommendation. 72. Belarus noted the policies on the poverty reduction, particularly the achievement of the MDGs on eradication of poverty and access to water and sanitation. It also noted the achievements in the implementation of social programs and ensuring the rights of indigenous peoples. Belarus commended the policies to protect children’s rights and efforts in fighting against human trafficking at the international level. It made recommendations. 73. Switzerland noted the achievements made in combating poverty, ensuring the right to education, access to health and rights of women. It was concerned about the deterioration of the human rights situation, including the situation in prisons. The high rate of possession of light weapons in the population contributed to the high rate of homicide. Switzerland made recommendations. 74. Thailand commended Venezuela’s efforts to address poverty, social development and human security of the underprivileged. It was interested in how the Government promoted the right to decent shelter, especially in emergencies and natural disasters. It looked forward to exchanging best practices in this field. Thailand made recommendations. 75. Canada noted the progress in the reduction of the extreme poverty and the access to education and welcomed the commitment to equality and non-discrimination and efforts to 10