A/HRC/28/8 Legal Aid Commission. Plans to expand poorer children’s access to tertiary education and the granting of scholarships were welcomed. Singapore made recommendations. 81. Slovenia asked about the timeline for removing the death penalty from the Military Code and welcomed the Constitution and the Human Rights and Anti-Discrimination Commission. It noted that no information had been provided on sexual and reproductive health education in schools. Slovenia made recommendations. 82. Solomon Islands noted the appointment of a female Speaker of Parliament following parliamentary elections and commended action on gender equality, housing and education. It encouraged the involvement of Parliamentarians in the follow-up to the UPR. Interest in inviting the Special Rapporteur on the independence of judges and lawyers was noted. Solomon Islands made recommendations. 83. Spain commended Fiji for its new Constitution, particularly the provisions on social and economic rights, for its recent elections, progress regarding the right to water and the signing of the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CRPD). Spain was concerned that the Essential National Industries (Employment) Decree was contrary to international labour and human rights standards. It was also concerned about the low reporting rates by women of gender-based violence. Spain made recommendations. 84. Sri Lanka welcomed the Constitution and commended measures for economic growth. It asked what barriers there were to an effective judiciary and how the international community could help. Sri Lanka encouraged the provision of technical assistance and capacity-building to Fiji. It made recommendations. 85. Swaziland welcomed the parliamentary elections and the appointment of a female Speaker of Parliament. It noted that amendments to the new Constitution required approval by a national referendum. Given the allegations of the lack of consultation prior to the passing of the Constitution, Swaziland asked what the rationale was behind that provision. Swaziland made a recommendation. 86. Switzerland welcomed the new Constitution and the lifting of the Public Emergency Regulations. Legislation on public order, the media industry and crimes continued to disproportionately restrict the freedoms of expression, assembly and association. The invitation of Fiji to the Human Rights Council special procedures was noted. Switzerland made recommendations. 87. Thailand commended Fiji for its recent democratic elections and its enhanced engagement with civil society regarding human rights. Thailand noted that women in Fiji continued to be underrepresented in decision-making and urged it to consider ratifying international human rights treaties. Thailand made recommendations. 88. The United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland recognized the crucial democratic steps taken by Fiji. It urged Fiji to engage constructively with NGOs in order to ensure that they could operate freely. It noted the positive increase in the number of female MPs, but remained concerned that women were still underrepresented and faced high levels of violence. It made recommendations. 89. The United Republic of Tanzania commended the Government for its commitment to human rights, the new Constitution, the recent democratic elections and the provision of free education. It encouraged Fiji to continue efforts to attain the right to water, housing and a clean environment. It made recommendations. 90. The United States of America urged the Government to ensure that all stakeholders could make their voices heard and participate in the political process. It also called for further cooperation between the Government and ILO. The United States was concerned at the persistence of gender-based violence, the fact that certain decrees unduly restricted 12