A/HRC/17/5 42. The Russian Federation noted with appreciation Nepal efforts to realize socioeconomic and political changes. It commended Nepal for its active interaction with United Nations human rights mechanisms and OHCHR. The Russian Federation recognized the serious challenges faced by Nepal as a least-developed country. The Russian Federation made recommendations. 43. In responding to questions, the delegation noted that it was encouraged by the interventions, and appreciated the recognition of achievements. Nepal indicated that it has adopted a range of policies, legal and institutional measures to ensure better protection of the rights of the people. The rights-based and holistic approach is running across these policies. Nepal has also significantly streamlined its activities to achieve the MDGs. Nepal highlighted achievements and challenges in the social sector, including in the areas of poverty alleviation and education. 44. In relation to questions about equality and non-discrimination, Nepal reported on strategies that have been in place to address these issues. 45. Nepal also referred to actions plans and targeted programmes to control trafficking, including trafficking of children. 46. It reported on preventive programmes and plans recently developed to address health issues of persons with disabilities. 47. Nepal has ratified several international instruments and undertaken voluntary commitments in the field of human rights. Ratification of the United Nations Convention against Corruption and the Convention against Transnational Organized Crimes and its two Protocols is currently under consideration by Parliament. It is currently also engaged in drafting enabling legislation which would be required in the Rome Statute of the Criminal Court. Groundwork is also being carried out with a view to joining other treaties, particularly the Convention on the Rights of Migrant Workers and Members of Their Families, and the Palermo Protocols. 48. Regarding treaty-related issues, Nepal indicated that it believes that becoming a party to international instruments is also an opportunity to make the required legal and institutional reforms. Ensuring effective implementation of an international treaty is as important as ratifying it. Nepal reiterated that it would further undertake international treaty commitments as and when so required, taking into account the available requisite infrastructures and enabling environment, as appropriate. 49. Regarding cooperation with United Nations mechanisms, Nepal indicated that periodic reports under the International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights (ICESCR), the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR), the Convention on the Rights of the Child (CRC), the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Racial Discrimination (CERD) and ILO Convention 169 are under consideration of the Cabinet. Nepal indicated that it has always remained responsive to the mandate holder’s communications, despite various constraints. It has also welcomed visits of various mandate-holders, valuing and incorporating relevant recommendations in its policy, legal and institutional measures. Nepal remains open to visits of mandate-holders, but indicated that, as the international community is well aware, Nepal is currently heavily occupied with the daunting task of institutionalizing peace and framing a new constitution. Nepal would welcome visits of mandate-holders at an appropriate earliest time. 50. Nepal is engaged in drafting a democratic Constitution that is inclusive and that guarantees all human rights. The Constitutional Committee and other thematic committees have already submitted their report to the chairman of the Constitutional Assembly. Some of the remaining issues are of a highly sensitive nature but it is expected that national consensus will be instrumental. 7