A/HRC/26/9 Optional Protocol to the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities. Nigeria made recommendations. 67. The Philippines commended Vanuatu for its determination to develop a national policy and action plan on gender and women and welcomed the establishment of protection units to investigate and prosecute domestic violence. It noted the accession to CAT and UNCAC and urged Vanuatu to consider acceding to other human rights instruments, including the International Convention on the Protection of the Rights of Migrant Workers and All Members of Their Families. It encouraged Vanuatu to continue to explore opportunities for cooperation and capacity-building in order to fulfil its development agenda and called on the international community to provide Vanuatu with the support and assistance for the fulfilment of economic, social and cultural rights. The Philippines made recommendations. 68. Portugal noted that Vanuatu was the first Pacific country to ratify CRPD and CAT, and welcomed efforts to tackle gender inequalities. It noted further that Vanuatu was particularly vulnerable to climate change and the impact of that phenomenon on the exercise of human rights. It encouraged efforts to mitigate the impact of climate change on human rights, particularly those developed by the National Advisory Board on Climate Change and Disaster Risk Reduction. Portugal made recommendations. 69. Singapore noted the efforts made by Vanuatu to improve public health and the significant decrease in cases of malaria and tuberculosis. It also noted that the infant mortality rate remained low and that the Government had concluded a Memorandum of Understanding with the Red Cross Society to implement community-based efforts to improve health standards and access to sanitation. Singapore noted the efforts in crime prevention and combating domestic violence. Singapore made recommendations. 70. Slovenia thanked Vanuatu for its presentation at the current review. It welcomed the positive efforts outlined by the delegation in the areas of gender equality and access to education, ratification of the CAT and other international instruments and its accession to the Rome Statute. It noted the concerns raised by stakeholders about the rates of domestic violence, including sexual violence against girls. Slovenia made recommendations. 71. Solomon Islands congratulated Vanuatu for its commitment in upholding international human rights values and law. It particularly commended efforts to formulate and mainstream national policies to safeguard the rights of women, as enshrined in CEDAW, and acknowledged action taken to protect the rights of persons with disabilities. It encouraged Vanuatu to work closely with the Human Rights Council and its donor partners to acquire the necessary resources and technical assistance for the implementation of recommendations. It made recommendations. 72. Spain applauded the progress made towards the implementation of previous recommendations, in particular the ratification of CAT. It also commended Vanuatu for its efforts to incorporate the CEDAW principles into national legislation, particularly with regard to domestic violence. Spain noted that, following certain murder cases, various national authorities had recently called for the reintroduction of the death penalty and observed that it considered it proven that such a penalty was not an effective measure in the fight against crime. Spain made recommendations. 73. Sri Lanka noted the formulation of several policies and plans at the national level in the areas of women’s rights, education and health. It was encouraged by measures to combat gender-based violence and noted particularly the “no drop” policy adopted by the Public Prosecutor’s Office, which ensured that cases of sexual and domestic violence could not be withdrawn. It stated that the efforts to increase access to basic health care were encouraging and considered that health education was crucial to improving health standards. Sri Lanka made recommendations. 11