A/HRC/27/8 20. B. Bhutan looked forward to an open and constructive dialogue. Interactive dialogue and responses by the State under review 21. During the interactive dialogue, 88 delegations made statements. A number of delegations thanked Bhutan for its comprehensive report and commended the progress made in promoting and protecting human rights since the first UPR in 2009. The dialogue with civil society during the preparation of the national report was considered a positive step. The recommendations made during the dialogue are to be found in section II of the present report. 22. Austria welcomed the holding of the 2013 parliamentary elections, the development of democracy and the institutionalization of an independent judiciary. It welcomed initiatives to promote women’s safety and develop civil society. It looked forward to the repatriation of refugees. Austria made recommendations. 23. Azerbaijan welcomed the adoption of laws for the protection of women and children and the establishment of a separate division for that purpose. It congratulated Bhutan on having strengthened its anti-corruption legislation and noted efforts to reduce poverty. Azerbaijan made recommendations. 24. Bahrain welcomed the national plans to protect human rights, dignity and justice. It noted the measures regarding women’s political participation, the protection of women from violence and youth unemployment. It expressed the hope that Bhutan would continue its efforts to protect vulnerable groups. Bahrain made recommendations. 25. Bangladesh congratulated Bhutan on its elections, which had further consolidated the democratic process. It noted progress towards the Millennium Development Goals and gender equality in education. It noted that poverty remained prevalent. Bangladesh made a recommendation. 26. Belarus welcomed the invitation to the Special Rapporteur on the right to education, as well as progress in combating human trafficking and corruption and promoting women’s and children’s rights. It noted that further efforts were needed to combat poverty and youth unemployment. Belarus made recommendations. 27. The Plurinational State of Bolivia commended efforts to strengthen child protection, which would improve the Government’s capacity to respond to violence, abuse and exploitation affecting children. It made recommendations. 28. Botswana noted initiatives regarding social protection for vulnerable groups. It welcomed the Domestic Violence Prevention Act. It expressed concern regarding reports of child labour and abuse of children and urged Bhutan to implement child protection legislation. Botswana made recommendations. 29. Brazil acknowledged the consolidation of the democratic process. It noted the challenge of providing education for all. It expressed concern at violent and exploitative practices against women and children. Brazil made a recommendation. 30. Brunei Darussalam commended Bhutan on the adoption of an inclusive process for the preparation of the report. It commended efforts to promote children’s rights, particularly through the provision of education. It welcomed youth unemployment programmes. It made recommendations. 31. Cambodia commended efforts to uphold the rule of law and strengthen democracy in Bhutan. It noted legislative progress, including the adoption of child protection laws. It commended Bhutan for organizing events to raise awareness of human rights. Cambodia made recommendations. 5