A/HRC/57/10 84. Mauritius congratulated and expressed appreciation to Vanuatu for its leadership in bringing the issue of climate change, a problem affecting the human rights of all, notably small island developing States, to the General Assembly. 85. Mexico welcomed the National Policy on Gender Equality 2020–2030, the ratification of the conventions on women and on children and progress made in recognizing the rights of Indigenous Peoples and protecting their cultural heritage and land rights. 86. Montenegro commended Vanuatu for implementing national climate change and disaster policies incorporating human rights and for making efforts on child protection. It noted concerns regarding child labour and school dropout and urged the Government to amend legislation to eliminate child labour. 87. The delegation of Vanuatu asserted that ongoing efforts to promote human rights included annual nationwide awareness-raising campaigns covering various aspects of human rights. Such efforts encompassed effective education for girls, water, sanitation and hygiene programmes, as well as support for girls’ needs in schools. In addition, Vanuatu ran a girls in science, technology, engineering and maths programme in secondary schools to encourage participation in all subjects and fields. Policies allowing girls to continue their education after pregnancy or dropout for various reasons were also being established in schools. 88. Vanuatu was in the process of developing its first national housing policy and relevant coordinating units. The initiative was aimed at ensuring resilient and adequate housing for all citizens. 89. In the fight against trafficking in persons, the country was developing a comprehensive policy tailored to the realities of its territory. The Government was committed to enhancing regional partnerships to manage borders effectively and prevent trafficking. 90. In terms of climate change, the Government valued its partnerships with civil society and other actors. Decision-making processes in sector-specific cluster committees were inclusive, involving youth, women leaders, village chiefs and persons with disabilities. Vanuatu was currently developing a social protection policy to ensure that citizens were supported after natural disasters and that recovery in a timely manner was enabled, while also strengthening resilience and preparatory efforts. 91. The country had introduced free primary and secondary education in 2021 and was working on a family life education policy that reflected its cultural and religious values. 92. The Victim Support Unit of the Department of Public Prosecution assisted victims of violence and crime during and after court proceedings. 93. Regarding the death penalty, the Constitution of Vanuatu upheld the right to life and to freedom of speech. Implementation of the Right to Information Act had produced results. 94. Namibia commended Vanuatu for ensuring that climate change and disaster risk reduction policies, projects and governance mechanisms were gender responsive. 95. Nepal took note of the National Gender Equality Policy and the Climate Change and Disaster Risk Reduction Policy and praised the establishment of the Medical Disability Registry Database. 96. The Kingdom of the Netherlands lauded ongoing efforts to combat gender discrimination, harmful practices and violence against women through laws, policies and the implementation of the National Gender Equality Policy (2020–2030). 97. New Zealand recognized the progress made, despite the impacts of natural disasters. It would continue its partnership with Vanuatu on education, health and infrastructure. Human rights were fundamental to the goal contained in “Vanuatu 2030: the People’s Plan” to build an inclusive, resilient society. New Zealand acknowledged the National Gender Equality Policy; resourcing remained key. 98. Pakistan recognized the steps taken to advance the human rights agenda, in particular through the enactment of the 2021 Public Health (Amendment) Act, on public health in emergencies, and the 2019 Education Act, on enhancing access to higher education. GE.24-09741 9