A/HRC/49/15 22. Georgia welcomed the improvement made in the implementation of the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities and in the prevention of trafficking in persons. It commended Antigua and Barbuda for its introduction of programmes and projects for the development of women in the State’s social, economic and political life, and for the further steps taken towards the protection of the rights of children. 23. Germany commended Antigua and Barbuda for its successful safeguarding of its population and their right to health during the COVID-19 pandemic. It noted that in 2019, the Government had established a specialized model court on sexual violence and amended laws with regard to penalties against trafficking in persons. It expressed concern that the indecency statutes continued to criminalize male consensual same-sex conduct and that the death penalty remained in place, even though there had been no executions since 1991. 24. Haiti welcomed the adoption by Antigua and Barbuda of several pieces of legislation aimed at strengthening its national framework for the protection of human rights. It noted the action taken in follow-up to several recommendations from the second review cycle, welcoming in particular the State’s accession to the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights and the International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights. 25. Iceland welcomed the steps taken to address gender-based violence and encouraged Antigua and Barbuda to give further consideration to the rights of women and LGBTI+ persons. 26. India commended Antigua and Barbuda for the many initiatives outlined in its national report to promote and protect human rights that had been undertaken since the second review cycle, in 2016, despite the devastating impact of Hurricane Irma and the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic. It noted with appreciation the enactment of the Disabilities and Equal Opportunities Act and the National Social Protection Act and the adoption of the National Child Protection Policy. 27. Indonesia welcomed the accession of Antigua and Barbuda to the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, as had been recommended during the second review cycle, and its efforts to tackle trafficking in persons. 28. Iraq welcomed the accession of Antigua and Barbuda to the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights and the International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights, and the implementation of recommendations to request technical assistance from OHCHR and other partners to fulfil its international obligations. 29. Ireland acknowledged the efforts by Antigua and Barbuda to advance human rights domestically and commended it for the progress made in implementing supported recommendations from the second review cycle, such as the passing of the Disabilities and Equal Opportunities Act in 2017. It encouraged Antigua and Barbuda to take concrete steps to improve conditions in its prison system, particularly in relation to the issues of overcrowding, material conditions, proper sanitation and ventilation. 30. Italy commended Antigua and Barbuda for its accession to the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights and the International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights. It welcomed the adoption in 2017 of the Disabilities and Equal Opportunities Act, and the efforts made to carry out a comprehensive review of existing laws to ensure compliance and harmonization with the provisions of the Convention on the Rights of the Child. 31. Malawi commended Antigua and Barbuda for the progress made since the second review cycle, including increased training for law enforcement personnel on handling cases of domestic and sexual violence and the implementation of the Domestic Violence Act of 2015. It noted that the Ombudsman had the responsibility to investigate complaints by individuals against government officials and statutory authorities. 32. Malaysia commended Antigua and Barbuda for its rebuilding efforts, despite the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic and Hurricane Irma. It welcomed the adoption in 2017 of the Disabilities and Equal Opportunities Act and the unveiling in 2021 of the National Child Protection Policy. It also welcomed the affirmative measures taken to raise awareness about domestic and sexual violence against women. 4