A/HRC/27/9 observed by Dominica since 1986 but expressed concern that the death penalty still formed part of the national legal framework. It trusted that the review would help Dominica to overcome challenges, and remained available to share its experiences. 31. Montenegro appreciated the fact that Dominica had extended a standing invitation to all special procedures and acknowledged efforts to implement the National Policy and Action Plan for Gender Equity and Equality. It asked about the activities envisaged by Dominica to change or amend legislation in order to ensure that hazardous work was prohibited for all persons under 18 years of age. 32. Morocco noted the difficulties that prevented Dominica from submitting a written report for review. However, the commitment of Dominica to the UPR process was evident in its participation in the review. Delays in the submission of reports to other human rights mechanisms were a consequence of prevailing challenges. It noted that Dominica did not have a national human rights institution because of a lack of resources. Morocco congratulated Dominica on its efforts regarding the right to education. 33. The Netherlands commended the progress made by Dominica with regard to the advancement and promotion of women’s rights, gender mainstreaming and the overall empowerment of women, and expressed the hope that that the progress achieved would be sustained and would lead to equal rights for women. It expressed concern about the situation of lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender persons in Dominica, mainly in connection with the unsafe environment for human rights defenders advocating equal rights for members of that group. 34. Nicaragua noted that the second review had posed a challenge for Dominica. However, although there was no national report, it was aware of the progress achieved by Dominica, in particular with regard to women and the rights to education and health. While aware that Dominica had a small economy and faced a number of social and economic challenges, Nicaragua urged it to continue making efforts to strengthen its national policies to guarantee human rights. 35. Paraguay welcomed the decision of Dominica to reform the legal framework to address domestic violence and physical ill-treatment of children. It encouraged Dominica to document those and other challenges in a report to the Committee on the Elimination of Discrimination against Women. Paraguay took note of the ratification by Dominica of the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities and its plans to establish a National Disability Council, and acknowledged improvements in the health sector. 36. Portugal welcomed the fact that since the previous review, Dominica had extended a standing invitation to the special procedures. It further welcomed the review of the legal framework to combat domestic violence and physical child abuse, as well as the achievement of universal access to primary and secondary education free of charge. 37. Singapore noted that despite the challenges faced by Dominica as a small island developing State, progress had been made in the promotion and protection of human rights. It took positive note of achievements in improving public health, of the emphasis placed on the promotion of gender equality and of efforts to combat gender-based violence, in particular the legislative framework in place to protect women against violence. 38. Slovenia commended Dominica for its efforts to address domestic violence and physical abuse of children, and for positive gains regarding gender equality and women’s empowerment. It encouraged Dominica to continue fighting discrimination and prejudice against lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and intersex persons. While noting that the death penalty had not been applied since 1986, it expressed concern that Dominica retained the death penalty. 7