A/HRC/42/8 85. Algeria welcomed legal reforms to reduce inequality, in particular through the implementation of a National Education Policy (2014–2024) to ensure universal access to free and equal education. 86. Argentina congratulated Bhutan for the establishment of the education plan (2014– 2024), which was aimed at guaranteeing access to education. 87. Armenia welcomed the 2018 National Policy for Persons with Disabilities and noted the ongoing steps to prevent and combat trafficking in persons. 88. Australia welcomed the successful holding of national elections in 2018, and commended Bhutan for progress in the areas of disability and gender, including the achievement of gender parity in primary education. 89. Austria commended Bhutan for the 2016 amendment of the Jabmi Act of 2003, which would encourage further improvement towards equal access to the legal aid system. 90. Bahrain commended Bhutan for the measures taken in 2018 for the protection of women and girls, which built upon efforts to achieve gender equality and combat trafficking in persons. 91. Bangladesh acknowledged the significant strides made in the areas of poverty alleviation, education, health, and the environment and climate change, and in achieving gender parity in education. 92. Belgium acknowledged the progress made since the previous universal periodic review of Bhutan. 93. Benin noted with satisfaction regulatory measures for the establishment of a family and children’s court, as well as guidelines and monitoring tools for non-formal education. 94. The Plurinational State of Bolivia highlighted the country’s philosophy of development based on gross national happiness, which served as a guiding light for promoting the rule of law and for the protection and promotion of human rights. 95. Brazil commended Bhutan for the democratic elections held in 2018, as well as for the mainstreaming of the Sustainable Development Goals within its policies. 96. Brunei Darussalam commended Bhutan for the various efforts made to ensure universal access to free and equitable education. 97. Burkina Faso noted with interest the 2018 adoption of a law on information, communications and the media, and a 2015 regulation on the prevention of domestic violence. 98. Cambodia commended Bhutan for achievements in the areas of public health services, poverty reduction, economic development, improvement of living standards, and sociocultural rights. 99. Canada welcomed the steps taken to address women’s empowerment, including enforcement of the Domestic Violence Prevention Act, and applauded efforts to keep girls in school, which included the provision of sanitary pads. 100. Chile welcomed the progress in education and access to health care for all, and the commitment to gender equality, and encouraged Bhutan to ensure better political participation of women. 101. China noted that Bhutan had carried out and implemented the twelfth Five Year Plan, positively promoted social and economic development, vigorously developed education and health care, combated domestic violence, and protected the rights of women and girls. China commended the important achievements of Bhutan in eradicating poverty. 102. Côte d’Ivoire praised Bhutan for the measures to reinforce the legislative and institutional framework, and encouraged it to continue its work to protect and promote human rights. 8