A/HRC/48/13 67. Vanuatu noted positive steps by Solomon Islands to incorporate in its legislative framework human rights principles embodied in international human rights treaties. It also encouraged the Government to put in place efforts to protect the human rights of its people, in particular those of children, women and persons with disabilities. 68. The Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela commended Solomon Islands for efforts to implement the accepted recommendations of the previous review cycles, despite the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic and the effects of climate change. It welcomed the steps taken in implementing the national policy on disability, and its progress towards the ratification of the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities. It also appreciated the gender equality and social inclusion policy aimed at increasing the number of women in leadership and decision-making positions, promoting gender equality in all areas. It further positively noted the bill to make education compulsory at the childhood, primary and secondary levels, and the “healthy village” project to address preventable diseases, improve access to drinking water and sanitation, and promote healthy nutrition for people in rural villages. 69. Argentina welcomed the extension by Solomon Islands of a standing invitation to all special procedure mandate holders. 70. Armenia welcomed the measures undertaken to make education compulsory for early childhood, primary and secondary education, and the adoption of a draft national policy on disability and a draft national disability-inclusive development policy. It noted the Child and Family Welfare Act (2017), aimed at protecting children from prostitution, pornography, early or forced marriage, and hard labour. 71. Australia commended Solomon Islands for its efforts to promote and protect human rights, including combating domestic violence through adoption of the Family Protection Act (2014). 72. Bahamas congratulated Solomon Islands for submitting in 2020 its first voluntary national review on the status and progress of its implementation of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. Bahamas acknowledged the adoption of a public service transformation strategy to sensitize gender in governance and gender equality. 73. Barbados recognized the challenges confronting Solomon Islands, notably the climate crisis and the COVID-19 pandemic. It stated that those challenges threatened to slow down, or even reverse, progress made in the area of human rights on behalf of individuals, households and communities throughout the country. 74. Botswana noted that some of the reports of Solomon Islands to human rights mechanisms and bodies were overdue. It called upon Solomon Islands to expedite the implementation of obligations under treaty bodies to which it is a party. It expressed concern about reports of high prevalence of child abuse. 75. Brazil encouraged Solomon Islands to implement measures to decentralize justice administration. It also emphasized the importance of significant representation of women in political parties and elected offices. It further called upon Solomon Islands to adopt comprehensive measures for the protection and promotion of the rights of persons with disabilities, particularly women and children. 76. Burkina Faso noted the progress made, in particular the measures taken to strengthen the legislative framework for children’s rights. It remained concerned about the many challenges that persisted regarding respect for, and protection and implementation of, human rights. 77. Canada commended Solomon Islands for the adoption of the Child and Family Welfare Act (2017), which aimed to help children in dangerous or abusive work. It urged the Government to raise the minimum age of criminal responsibility and ensure that legal protection for minors is extended to all children. 78. Chile regretted the delay in the publication of the national report of Solomon Islands for the third cycle of the universal periodic review. 8