A/HRC/41/2 652. Cuba recognized the acceptance of a large number of recommendations, in particular those made by Cuba, regarding the realization of the rights to health and education, and the expansion of access to rural populations. It urged Vanuatu to continue confronting the great challenges it faces as a small island developing State, particularly in relation to climate change and disaster risk reduction. 653. Fiji recognized the positive steps taken by Vanuatu to implement and strengthen its policies on climate change and disaster risk reduction, in particular the establishment of the National Advisory Board, with existing committees in all provinces, to assist communities most affected by disasters. It welcomed the acceptance by Vanuatu of Fiji’s recommendations, particularly on implementing climate change and gender policies and setting out strategies to ensure that women are part of decision-making on national climate action policies. It stated that it stood ready to continue working closely with Vanuatu to further promote and protect the human rights of its citizens. 654. Iraq appreciated the acceptance by Vanuatu of its recommendations related to accession to the International Covenant on Economic, Social, and Cultural Rights and the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Racial Discrimination, as well as improvement of the educational system in order to ensure providing equal opportunities for all. 655. New Zealand welcomed ongoing commitment to progressing the human rights of all in Vanuatu. It commended Vanuatu for the work to develop key policies and frameworks to support the human rights agenda, including the National Sustainable Development Plan (2016-2030), being a pathway to ensuring that the rights of the people of Vanuatu are protected and promoted. It also recognized the serious challenge that climate change will pose to Vanuatu, and commended Vanuatu for its proactive response. It noted the acceptance of the three recommendations it made for Vanuatu in relation to domestic violence, prison conditions and women’s political participation. It looked forward to ongoing engagement with Vanuatu on these important issues, including working with the Department of Women’s Affairs to reduce violence against women and girls and improve coordination across the sector. It committed itself to working with Vanuatu Correctional Services to improve the management of correctional facilities and provide safe custodial services. Furthermore, it welcomed the Government’s recognition of the valuable role that civil society played in the universal periodic review process, encouraging the Government to continue its engagement with civil society at the implementation phase. 656. Sri Lanka noted the commitment of Vanuatu to fully implementing universal access to education. In this regard, it appreciated the measures taken to allocate school grants while encouraging the Government to expand it to all grades. It also welcomed Vanuatu joining the Pacific Partnership to End Violence against Women and Girls, encouraging its successful implementation. It acknowledged the need for assistance and support for capacity building initiatives of Vanuatu aimed at building resilience, and implementation of the National Displacement Policy of 2018. 657. Tunisia appreciated the acceptance by Vanuatu of its recommendations, which would strengthen the institutional human rights framework of Vanuatu. 658. UN Women welcomed the adoption of the Municipalities Amendment Act No. 5 of 2015, which had established a quota system for women contesting for seats in local government elections, thus strengthening women’s participation in politics. It also welcomed the Government’s increased support to resourcing the Department of Women’s Affairs. It reiterated its commitment to support the Government in ensuring equal opportunities for women and girls and looked forward to continuing to work through the Markets for Change Project in promoting women’s economic empowerment. It would also continue to provide technical support to the Vanuatu Gender and Protection Cluster to 106