A/HRC/48/13 34. Malaysia encouraged Solomon Islands to continue its engagement with Human Rights Council mechanisms, particularly the universal periodic review, and to take targeted and inclusive measures to implement accepted recommendations. It expressed the hope that the Government would avail itself to technical cooperation and capacity-building to further advance the human rights of its people. 35. Maldives welcomed the progress made to advance human rights domestically and commended the Government for incorporating the Sustainable Development Goals into the national development strategy for 2016–2035. It also congratulated the Government for submitting in 2020 its first voluntary national review on the status and progress of its implementation of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. 36. The Marshall Islands welcomed the efforts made by Solomon Islands to align its national policy with the principles outlined in the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination against Women and the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities, including in the national disability-inclusive development policy and the national gender equality and women’s development policy. 37. Mauritius applauded Solomon Islands for having developed a mitigation and adaption policy to deal with climate change and rising sea levels and underlined the limited resources the country had, especially bearing in mind the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic and its effects. 38. Mexico welcomed the creation of the advisory committee to combat human trafficking and the adoption of the anti-corruption law. 39. Montenegro positively considered the adoption of some strategic documents such as the Child and Family Welfare Act (2017), the national development strategy for 2016–2035 and the national youth policy for 2017–2030. Montenegro encouraged the Government to seek assistance from the United Nations, including OHCHR, to complete the establishment of a national human rights institution compliant with the principles relating to the status of national institutions for the promotion and protection of human rights (the Paris Principles) without further delay. Montenegro urged the Government to undertake the necessary measures to eliminate the sexual abuse of children, criminalize the sale of young girls and bring perpetrators to justice. 40. Morocco noted the positive steps taken since the last review. 41. Nepal appreciated the launching of the road map for the national non-communicable disease policy for 2019–2023 and commended Solomon Islands for the initiation of the “healthy village” project. It noted the national development strategy for 2016–2035 and encouraged Solomon Islands to take effective measures to achieve gender equality in decision-making and leadership positions. 42. The Netherlands commended Solomon Islands for the steps taken to promote gender equality such as the national gender equality and women’s development policy for 2016– 2020. However, it expressed concerns about physical and sexual violence, discrimination and gender inequalities. 43. New Zealand acknowledged the progress made to address violence against women and children and encouraged continued momentum in that area, particularly as rates of violence remained high. It also commended Solomon Islands for its commitment to addressing disability issues. 44. The Niger welcomed the progress made in implementing the 89 recommendations accepted in 2016 and encouraged Solomon Islands to complete the initiatives under way to effectively implement the recommendations not yet implemented. 45. Pakistan commended Solomon Islands for advancing the promotion and protection of human rights, including strengthening the legislative framework, promoting gender equality, ensuring access to education and investing in the health-care system. It also noted the national development strategy that recognized the negative impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic, which had impeded socioeconomic progress. 5

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