A/HRC/38/5 53. Denmark noted that, while Tonga had accepted recommendations from the previous review cycle to ratify the Convention against Torture, it had yet to do so. It also stated that, by ratifying the Convention, Tonga would join with more than 160 States parties in delivering an unequivocal message that torture could never be tolerated. 54. France encouraged Tonga to reinforce the progress achieved on human rights since its previous universal periodic review. 55. Georgia welcomed the revision of the National Policy on Gender and Development, while encouraging Tonga to strengthen its policies to further promote women’s rights and prevent domestic violence. It also welcomed the establishment of a committee to consider the ratification of the Convention against Torture and to review relevant legislation. 56. Germany commended Tonga on its recent accession to the International Labour Organization. It expressed concern about the human rights situation of women and other vulnerable groups, including people with disabilities and lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and intersex persons. 57. Ghana underscored the establishment of a committee to consider the ratification of the Convention against Torture and to review relevant legislation. It expressed concern that Tonga had yet to accede to a significant number of core international human rights treaties. 58. Honduras welcomed the establishment of the Ombudsman’s Office and the adoption of a national policy on gender and development. It encouraged Tonga to redouble its efforts in that regard by strengthening the rule of law framework through the incorporation of the main human rights instruments. 59. Iceland welcomed the positive steps taken by Tonga since its second universal periodic review. It noted that, despite the recommendations Tonga had accepted to ratify core international human rights treaties, no concrete progress had been made thus far. 60. India commended Tonga on the adoption of its Strategic Development Framework 2015–2025 to eliminate gender disparity in primary and secondary education. It underscored the Family Protection Act 2013 as a welcome step aimed at providing greater protection for victims of domestic violence. 61. Indonesia welcomed the establishment of a committee to consider ratifying the Convention against Torture. It also welcomed the enactment in 2016 of an amendment to the Commissioner for Public Relations Act (2001) in order to convert it into an Ombudsman’s Office. 62. Ireland welcomed the issuance of a standing invitation to the Human Rights Council special procedures. It noted that, since the second universal periodic review, Tonga had not become a party to any additional core human rights conventions. It also welcomed the enactment of the Family Protection Act (2013), which criminalized domestic violence against women and children. 63. Italy commended Tonga on the adoption of the Family Protection Act (2013), criminalizing domestic violence against women and children. It also appreciated the launch of the Revised National Policy on Gender and Development, as well as the measures adopted in favour of persons with disabilities. 64. Malaysia welcomed the commitment by Tonga to facilitating access to education, including through the adoption of the Education Act 2013, which made education compulsory between the ages of 4 and 18 years. It noted efforts to promote gender equality and build greater gender awareness, including through the Strategic Development Framework 2015–2025. 65. Maldives welcomed the adoption of the Family Protection Act (2013). It was encouraged by the progress made in ensuring universal and inclusive primary education with the adoption of the Education Act (2013) and the efforts by Tonga to improve access to primary schooling for children, especially from low-income households. 66. Mexico recognized the implementation of the Revised National Policy on Gender and Development to promote gender equality. It also welcomed the implementation of the 8