A/HRC/33/16 57. While appreciating ongoing efforts to counter human trafficking and the ratification of the Palermo Protocol, Norway was concerned about restrictions on freedom of opinion and expression, peaceful assembly and association. 58. Pakistan welcomed the National Human Rights Plan and the plans for social and economic development with a focus on empowerment and protection of women, elderly persons, persons with disabilities, children, migrants, asylum seekers and ethnic minorities. 59. Panama appreciated legislative efforts to protect vulnerable groups, women and children. 60. Paraguay hoped that the National Plan 2017-2021 would allow further progress on human rights. 61. Malaysia acknowledged achievements in human trafficking and social protection programmes for vulnerable groups encouraging Thailand to address inequality, promote children’s rights and achieve gender equality. 62. The Netherlands appreciated the signing of the International Convention for the Protection of All Persons from Enforced Disappearance. It was concerned about restrictions on freedom of expression and opinion and the persons detained, imprisoned, tortured or killed for their peaceful exercise of their rights. 63. While welcoming the standing invitation to the special procedures, the ratification of the Optional Protocol to the Convention on the Rights of the Child on a communications procedure, Portugal expressed concern that the National Human Rights Commission had lost its A status. 64. The delegation stated that the Ministry of Justice had submitted a draft act on the prevention and suppression of torture and enforced disappearance to the Cabinet for consideration. The passing of the draft act would enable the ratification of the International Convention for the Protection of All Persons from Enforced Disappearance. 65. On the downgraded status of the National Human Rights Commission, the Government stood ready to provide any assistance to strengthen its capacity and work. 66. The Cabinet instructed all ministries to implement the Human Rights Action Plan and report annually to the Ministry of Justice on the progress made regarding implementation. 67. Thailand drafted a new Penitentiary Act. Significant improvements to access to health care in the Thai penitentiary system were made. To address overcrowding in detention centres, Thailand considered several alternatives to imprisonment. Thailand continued to provide specific care for vulnerable prisoner groups, including women and mothers with children. 68. Thailand provided legal assistance and services to all Thais and non-Thais without discrimination. 69. With respect to the recommendation of the Committee on the Rights of the Child to raise the minimum age of criminal responsibility from 10 to 12 years, Thailand conducted several studies that helped to identify further actions to be taken when the new minimum age was imposed. 70. To protect children from the emerging threats in the digital world, Thailand amended the Criminal Code to establish a wider definition of child pornography and impose more severe punishments against people found guilty of related offences. 71. Thailand introduced the Child Protection Policy in both schools and families. 7