A/HRC/45/2 violence. Kiribati also acceded to the Convention against Torture and Other Cruel, Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment in 22 July 2019. 767. Kiribati welcomed the recommendations on the integration of human rights in climate policies and responses to natural disasters, and strengthening legislation to protect, promote and preserve the human rights of women, children, and persons with disabilities. Kiribati was committed to implementing these recommendations within its resources. 768. The head of the delegation also emphasized that Kiribati would continue to progress positively in efforts to enhance the pursuit of legal, moral, ethical, equitable, and inclusive human rights at the national level. In this regard, he reiterated Kiribati’s recognition of the crucial role played by the universal periodic review, and stated that Kiribati remained highly optimistic that the universal periodic review recommendations would assist Kiribati in achieving desired outcomes on substantive equality and justice. 769. He re-emphasized that the Government would continue to collaborate and engage with its bilateral and multilateral partners and request technical and financial assistance, in particular from the Voluntary Fund for Financial and Technical Assistance in the implementation of the universal periodic review, which would allow the Government to implement the recommendations and address the capacity gaps. 2. Views expressed by Member and observer States of the Council on the outcome of the review 770. During the adoption of the outcome of the review of Kiribati, 12 delegations made statements.** 771. The Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela commended Kiribati for its full cooperation with the universal periodic review mechanism, which underscored its commitment to protecting human rights. It appreciated the progress made, despite the challenges faced by Kiribati arising from climate change. It welcomed Kiribati’s strategies aimed at managing disaster risks. It also welcomed the accession of Kiribati to the Convention against Torture and Other Cruel, Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment and the progress made in the area of water and sanitation. 772. The Bahamas welcomed Kiribati’s acceptance of the recommendations made by the Bahamas to consider establishing a national mechanism for implementation, reporting and follow-up, as well as to ensure that adequate resources are allocated for sexual and reproductive health services with a view to reducing sexually transmitted infections among youth. It further encouraged Kiribati to consider ratifying the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights. It also noted the challenges faced by Kiribati, including due to limited human and financial resources, and as one of the world’s most vulnerable nations to the effects of climate change. In this regard, it encouraged Kiribati to avail itself of the technical assistance and capacity-building support available from OHCHR toward the fulfilment of its human rights commitments and called on the international community to support the country toward this end. 773. Barbados welcomed Kiribati’s acceptance of recommendations, particularly those related to the advancement of children and sectoral improvements in the areas of education ** The statements of the delegations that were unable to deliver them owing to time constraints which were made available are posted on the extranet of the Human Rights Council, at https://extranet.ohchr.org/sites/hrc/HRCSessions/RegularSessions/45session/Pages/Oralstatements.aspx 123