A/HRC/41/2 include same-sex marriage in the upcoming mid-term review. The organization called on the Government to set a clear deadline for legalizing same-sex marriage. 420. International Federation for Human Rights Leagues expressed concerns at the number of prisoners of conscience, the repression of peaceful demonstrations, everyday religious persecutions, and harassment, arrests and exorbitant prison sentences against human rights defenders. By the rejection of 50 recommendations, Vietnam denied any revision or amendment of repressive laws, protection to human rights defenders or discussion of national security, which was the keystone of any repression in the country. 421. Christian Solidarity Worldwide welcomed recommendations made to Vietnam to revise its legislation to bring it in line with international standards, but it regretted that many of these recommendations were not accepted. It called for the release of all those detained in connection with their religion or belief; the end of all forms of torture and illtreatment; and thorough and impartial investigations on cases of abuse of power by authorities. 422. Center for Women and Development appreciated the efforts of the Government to ensure and promote women’s rights and achievements in gender equality. Equality between men and women in all aspects were affirmed in the Constitution. The Government also created favourable conditions to support poor women, and women and girls victims of gender based violence. There was still a lack of policies to support female labour in informal sector, and a significant gap on income and retirement age between men and women. 423. Agir Ensemble pour les Droits de l’Homme regretted that Viet Nam noted 50 key recommendations, many of which on freedom of expression, and freedom of religion and belief. While the universal periodic review exercise is based on cooperation and nonconfrontation, Viet Nam accused other countries for making recommendations containing contentious terms. The voice of the civil society in the country remained unheard despite recent protests against laws on freedom of religion and cybersecurity. 424. CIVICUS: World Alliance for Citizen Participation welcomed the commitment of Viet Nam to extend cooperation to the Human Rights Council special procedures and urged the Government to invite the Special Rapporteurs on the situation of human rights defenders, on the promotion and protection of the right to freedom of opinion and expression and on freedom of religion or belief to visit the country. It regretted that recommendations on the release of political prisoners were noted, and called on Viet Nam to implement recommendations to create and maintain, in law and practice, an enabling environment for civil society. 425. Vietnam Family Planning Association (VINAFPA) stated that Vietnam achieved the millennium goals on maternal mortality and child mortality ahead of the plan. There were still some challenges like big gaps between regions, especially in disadvantaged areas due to low income and unfavourable access to quality health services. It urged the Government to pay more attention to health care in disadvantaged areas; and to promote reproductive and sexual health education for adolescents. 426. World Association for the School as an Instrument of Peace urged the Government to ratify International Labour Organization convention No. 169 on indigenous and tribal peoples, and expressed concern at the revision of the law on cybersecurity and at the monitoring of social media working on indigenous issues. It encouraged the distribution of the Sustainable Development Goals and of the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples nationwide. 73