A/HRC/48/14 35. Maldives welcomed the progress made by Seychelles to advance human rights and commended its efforts to increase awareness and mitigate the effects of climate change. 36. Mali praised the cooperation of Seychelles with the Human Rights Council and its mechanisms, its progress in protecting human rights, and the adoption of a law on mental health care. 37. The Marshall Islands welcomed the adoption by Seychelles of new policies related to child rights, its efforts to fight discrimination against persons with disabilities, and its adoption of regulations to mitigate the effects of climate change. 38. Mauritania welcomed the progress by Seychelles in promoting and protecting human rights, particularly with regard to access to employment for persons with disabilities and the fight against the economic exploitation of children. 39. Mauritius noted the negative effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on the economy of Seychelles, and commended the country’s efforts to promote the education of children with disabilities and to mitigate the impacts of climate change. 40. Mexico welcomed the decriminalization by Seychelles of consensual same-sex relations, as well as the adoption of the Seychelles Human Rights Commission Act, the Children (Amendment) Act and the Domestic Violence Act. 41. Montenegro recognized the efforts of Seychelles to strengthen its human rights frameworks and to combat gender-based violence. Montenegro urged Seychelles to increase efforts in these two areas, especially by investing additional resources. 42. Morocco commended the efforts of Seychelles to advance human rights, especially its adoption of legislation on gender equality and on equal opportunities in education and training, and its special education programme for children with disabilities. 43. Mozambique praised Seychelles for the progress it had made on implementing the recommendations from the second cycle of the universal periodic review. 44. Nepal welcomed the adoption of the Seychelles Human Rights Commission Act and the efforts to reform the judiciary. It also praised the prohibition of corporal punishment of children, the integration of children with disabilities, and the fight against human trafficking. 45. The Netherlands commended Seychelles on the decriminalization of consensual same-sex relations and on the enactment of the Access to Information Act. It expressed concern about gender-based violence and discrimination against lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and intersex persons. 46. The Niger noted positively the progress of Seychelles in protecting human rights, particularly the reforms undertaken to address trafficking in persons, environmental protection, food security and disaster management. 47. Nigeria commended Seychelles for its efforts in the areas of health and education, and for addressing the negative effects of climate change, combating human trafficking and protecting the rights of persons with disabilities. 48. Pakistan appreciated the efforts of Seychelles to advance respect for human rights through legislative and administrative measures, such as the establishment of a national human rights institution and the addressing of environmental challenges. 49. The Philippines noted the enactment of the National Council of the Elderly Act 2018 and the Domestic Violence Act 2020, and welcomed the legislative and policy reforms to protect children, including from sexual abuse and exploitation. 50. Portugal welcomed the decriminalization by Seychelles of consensual same-sex relations between adults, and the efforts to address gender-based violence, including through the enactment of the Domestic Violence Act. 51. Rwanda welcomed the enactment of the Domestic Violence Act and the Seychelles Human Rights Commission Act. It noted the launch of the national gender policy to ensure gender mainstreaming. 5