A/HRC/57/10 69. The Gambia commended Vanuatu for its progress in bolstering legal frameworks and institutions to combat critical human rights issues such as gender-based violence and climate change. 70. Georgia lauded the National Gender Equality Policy 2020–2030 and the Health Sector Strategy 2021–2030 and steps taken to address gender-based and domestic violence. It acknowledged efforts to protect the rights of persons with disabilities, notably regarding access to education. 71. Germany praised Vanuatu for its leadership in addressing climate change, notably regarding the International Court of Justice, and for the National Gender Equality Policy 2020–2030. It expressed concern about violence against women and children and discrimination against LGBTQI+ persons. 72. Iceland welcomed the delegation of Vanuatu and its national report. 73. India noted consultations towards establishing an independent human rights institution, the steps taken towards a national human rights policy and the establishment of the Ombudsman’s Office. It acknowledged and encouraged efforts to promote gender equality. 74. Indonesia stated that it shared the concerns of Vanuatu regarding the impacts of climate change and natural disasters. It lauded efforts undertaken to address those challenges at the global level and extended its support to Vanuatu on related endeavours. 75. Iraq expressed appreciation for the efforts made by Vanuatu in preparing its fourth report, which covered progress in implementing the recommendations from the third cycle through the enactment of a number of national laws and strategies to promote human rights. 76. Ireland recognized the progress made on ensuring that climate change policies and governance mechanisms were gender responsive and also recognized that Vanuatu played a key role in intergovernmental efforts on combating climate change. Ireland expressed concern about violence against women, threats to journalists and the enforcement of criminal libel laws. 77. Italy praised the efforts made to enforce the National Disability-Inclusive Development Policy 2018–2025, plans to develop the Disability and Inclusion Act and the integration of a human rights-based approach into all the policies and programmes of Vanuatu on climate change response and disaster risk reduction. 78. Kyrgyzstan welcomed the delegation of Vanuatu and expressed appreciation for its engagement in the universal periodic review process and for developments made since the previous review. 79. Luxembourg thanked Vanuatu for its efforts to implement the recommendations from the third cycle. It welcomed the leadership role of Vanuatu in advancing international law regarding the adverse effects of the climate crisis, in particular on small island developing States. 80. Malawi welcomed Vanuatu to the review and thanked the delegation for its comprehensive presentation. 81. Malaysia commended Vanuatu for strengthening the implementation of the Vanuatu Education and Training Sector Strategy 2020–2030 and for comprehensively implementing the National Gender Equality Policy 2020–2030 to protect and promote the rights of women in Vanuatu. 82. Maldives praised Vanuatu for its dedication to combating gender discrimination and violence against women, specifically through implementing the National Gender Equality Policy 2020–2030 and establishing the Women in Education Leadership Network. 83. The Marshall Islands commended Vanuatu for its pursuit of climate justice and for its leadership in initiating the advisory opinion process of the International Court of Justice to better understand the legal obligations of States regarding climate change. 8 GE.24-09741