A/HRC/26/6 112. Iraq commended the alignment of national legislation with international human rights obligations. It welcomed the National Strategy on Gender Equality and the integration of human rights issues into police training college curricula. 113. Ireland was gravely concerned about reported harassment and imprisonment of human rights defenders, and noted the lack of an independent media and reports of increasing surveillance by State-owned Internet providers. 114. Italy commended the progress in economic and social rights. It welcomed achievements on the rights of the child and asked about measures envisaged to combat the trafficking and sexual abuse of children. 115. Japan welcomed the efforts to reduce poverty. It encouraged the protection of the rights of vulnerable people. It noted reports of control of the media and constraints on individuals criticizing the Government. 116. Turkmenistan welcomed the efforts to strengthen legislative, institutional and policy mechanisms for the protection and promotion of human rights. It looked forward to receiving more information on new human rights safeguards brought in by amendments to the Constitution. 117. Kyrgyzstan noted progress in poverty alleviation, and the attainment of the MDG on poverty reduction ahead of schedule. Additionally, labour market development programmes had helped workers to find jobs. 118. The Lao People’s Democratic Republic appreciated achievements in implementing MDGs and reducing poverty. It encouraged continued cooperation with the United Nations, international organizations and stakeholders to overcome constraints and challenges. 119. Latvia noted the legislative amendments to discontinue the use of the death penalty and life imprisonment for juveniles. It encouraged more efforts to address gender-based violence. It noted the cooperation with special procedures. 120. Libya commended the adoption of the National Action Plan on older persons and the National Strategy on Gender Equality. 121. Liechtenstein welcomed the legislation on gender equality. It noted concerns about discrimination against girls and women and the persistently high level of physical, sexual and psychological violence against women. 122. Lithuania noted the cessation of the use of the death penalty for juvenile offenders, but remained concerned about the increase in the number of death sentences, restrictions on assembly and harassment of human rights defenders. 123. Luxembourg welcomed progress towards attaining the MDGs. It considered that freedom of the press and expression and the right to a fair trial remained major concerns. 124. Madagascar welcomed the ratification of several international human rights instruments, normative and institutional plans, and progress in socioeconomic and cultural areas. 125. Malaysia noted the significant progress in implementing legislative reforms in line with its previous recommendation, and in human rights education, social welfare, education, hunger eradication and poverty reduction. 126. Mali welcomed measures to strengthen the legal framework of Viet Nam by acceding to several international human rights instruments, and progress in combating social inequalities and towards attaining the MDGs. 12