A/HRC/16/7 had been caught up in demonstrations, the delegation confirmed that no journalist had been arrested. 89. There was no legislation in Maldives protecting the rights of lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender persons. Nevertheless, there had been little or no intolerance of or discrimination against such persons in Maldivian society, certainly not at the institutional level. Lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender persons were a vulnerable group, but so far they had not been marginalized. The Government was, however, concerned about demands from radical religious groups that the State actively discriminated against such persons. 90. The United States expressed concern that the Constitution did not provide for religious freedom and that citizenship was granted only to Muslims. It commended Maldives for enacting the new Employment Act in consultation with ILO. It also commended Maldives for removing the constitutional bar preventing women from running for high political office. It made recommendations. 91. Nigeria commended Maldives for the progress made in achieving democratic governance. It welcomed Maldives’ ratification of human rights instruments and its open invitation to the special procedures. However, Nigeria noted the existence of challenges and the need to address key issues such as democratic consolidation, corruption, religious extremism and terrorism. Nigeria made a recommendation. 92. Bosnia and Herzegovina commended the new Constitution, the ratification of ILO fundamental conventions, the accession to the Optional Protocol to the Convention against Torture, and the issuance of the standing invitation to all thematic special procedures. It requested further information about the role of civil society in the preparation of the national report. Bosnia and Herzegovina made recommendations. 93. Trinidad and Tobago noted with satisfaction the framework put in place aimed at consolidating democracy and gains made by Maldives in poverty eradication, education and health care. It applauded Maldives for its international leadership on climate change, noting the implications that it would have for the human rights of the Maldivian people. It made a recommendation. 94. Timor-Leste expressed appreciation for the broad consultations in the preparation of the national report and commended Maldives for the progress and achievements in human rights. It noted the issue of violence against women and children as stated in paragraphs 57 and 62 of the national report, and the lack of recognition of children born out of wedlock. Timor-Leste made a recommendation. 95. The Philippines asked how Maldives wished to see the Human Rights Council and OHCHR further develop the link between human rights and climate change. It also asked about measures being taken to address the challenges relating to migrant workers’ rights, including with regard to those of irregular status. Further, it requested information about additional measures being taken to combat gender-based discrimination. The Philippines made recommendations. 96. Jamaica noted that Maldives was party to several major international human rights instruments and was reviewing reservations to some of these in view of changes introduced in the new Constitution. It also commended Maldives for achieving Millennium Development Goals on child mortality, improving maternal health and attaining universal access to free primary and secondary education. It made a recommendation. 97. Ecuador commended Maldives’ initiatives with regard to the rights of vulnerable groups, particularly women, children and persons with disabilities. It acknowledged Maldives’ reforms in the area of justice and called for the country to consider the penitentiary situation as among its priorities. Ecuador made recommendations. 13