A/HRC/49/15 9. As major efforts had been necessary to combat the pandemic in Antigua and Barbuda, there had been a diversion of economic resources away from planned priority activities. Notably, in the health sector, there had been temporary closures of patient clinics in the hospital – the State’s only secondary health-care facility – and interruptions to services at primary health-care facilities, which had delayed the prevention and treatment of noncommunicable diseases such as hypertension and diabetes, a major concern in Antigua and Barbuda. As a result of that distortion of priorities, improvements in access to health care had been delayed. 10. Nevertheless, Antigua and Barbuda had managed to implement policies and proceed on development projects in accordance with international human rights standards. 11. Antigua and Barbuda had improved access to affordable housing. The Government had developed a number of housing projects over the past four years, with the construction of 240 houses and an additional 30 houses under construction. Free social housing had also been constructed and provided to eradicate slum conditions. 12. Improvements in the water distribution network had led to an increase in access to clean piped water, and the construction of a liquefied natural gas power plant and the completion of two solar power plants had improved access to electricity and were demonstrative of the Government’s commitment to renewable energy. 13. As a clean environment was integral to a good standard of living, the Government had banned single-use plastics in 2018, and that been the first in the region so to do. Additionally, Antigua and Barbuda had committed to achieving net-zero emissions by 2050. B. Interactive dialogue and responses by the State under review 14. During the interactive dialogue, 55 delegations made statements. Recommendations made during the dialogue are to be found in section II of the present report. 15. Cyprus commended the State for its efforts since the second review cycle, including its accession to the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights and the International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights. 16. Denmark commended the Government of Antigua and Barbuda for the important steps taken to improve prison conditions. It stated that it remained concerned by continued reports of overcrowding and poor prison facilities. It noted with regret the restrictive legal framework regarding the individual rights and freedoms of women and girls. 17. The Dominican Republic took note of reports by OHCHR and the International Labour Organization (ILO) in which they acknowledge the commitment of Antigua and Barbuda to human rights through its accession to the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights and the International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights and its ratification of nine ILO conventions and protocols. 18. Estonia expressed appreciation for the State’s accession to the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights and the International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights and its adoption of the Disabilities and Equal Opportunities Act. It commended the State for the steps taken for the protection of victims of gender-based violence, while stressing the importance of improving maternal health and sexual and reproductive health services. 19. Fiji commended Antigua and Barbuda for its resilience in enduring Hurricane Irma and building back with a commitment to environmental protection, research and action, mindful of the direct link between the protection of the marine and coastal environment and mitigation of the harmful effects of strong hurricanes. 20. Finland expressed appreciation for the engagement of Antigua and Barbuda in the universal periodic review process. 21. France thanked Antigua and Barbuda for its presentation of its national report, and noted the information provided. 3