A/HRC/19/2 689. It was vital that the outcome of the universal periodic review translate into concrete action at the national level. This would take considerable effort and clear political will on the part of the Government, in close cooperation with civil society and academia. Extensive work had commenced with the preparation of a national plan of action, and included a series of monthly meetings to encourage an open dialogue on the protection of human rights. 690. The national plan of action would include a process to follow up on universal periodic review recommendations and outcomes from the treaty bodies. Equally important was the work being undertaken to rethink the structural aspects of human rights protection, which specifically took into account international encouragement to establish a human rights institution in compliance with the Paris Principles. 691. The delegation expressed its gratitude to OHCHR for its invaluable support in the universal periodic review process, the troika for its cooperation throughout the process, and the Vice President for his leadership. 2. Views expressed by Member and observer States of the Human Rights Council on the review outcome 692. Algeria noted with satisfaction that Iceland had accepted most of the recommendations received, and took note of its positive approach to converting a number of recommendations into voluntary commitments. It expressed its appreciation for the fact that three of the four recommendations that it had made enjoyed the support of Iceland. It welcomed the adoption of the Strategy for Iceland’s Development Cooperation 2011–2014, which made provision for development assistance programmes. Algeria also took positive note of the readiness of Iceland to consider ratifying the International Convention on the Protection of the Rights of All Migrant Workers and Members of Their Families. 693. The Republic of Moldova expressed its appreciation to Iceland for having accepted the six recommendations that it had made during Iceland’s review. It welcomed Iceland’s commitment to establishing a national human rights institution in accordance with the Paris Principles, and was pleased to note that Iceland had taken measures to eliminate stereotypical attitudes about the roles and responsibilities of women and men. The Republic of Moldova noted, with satisfaction, the steps taken to strengthen efforts to increase the number of women in high-ranking positions, particularly in academia, and welcomed the use of temporary special measures to encourage the achievement of substantive equality between men and women, particularly in the private employment sector. It applauded Iceland’s commitment to eliminate the obstacles faced by women victims of domestic and sexual violence when filing complaints and seeking protection, and was pleased to note that the State had increased efforts to prevent trafficking in human beings for sexual exploitation, including child prostitution. 694. The Islamic Republic of Iran expressed concern at the absence of an authority to monitor violence and sexual abuse against children, rising incidents of racism and xenophobia, prison conditions, gender-based violence, and lenient sentences in cases of domestic violence. It recommended the strengthening of efforts in combating racism and xenophobia; the adoption of anti-discrimination legislation; strengthening the protection framework for the rights of the child; and the introduction of more effective measures addressing domestic violence. 695. Austria commended Iceland for its constructive participation in the universal periodic review process, which Austria was able to witness as a member of the troika. It also expressed its appreciation to Iceland for the large number of recommendations accepted and welcomed the fact that Iceland had made voluntary commitments regarding GE.13-14768 237