A/HRC/41/17 44. Japan welcomed the extension of the memorandum of understanding with OHCHR, and looked forward to concrete actions on further steps to strengthen democracy and the political space. It expected that Cambodia would strengthen control over entities involved in dispatching workers overseas. 45. The Lao People’s Democratic Republic commended the efforts made to eliminate discrimination against women and to promote gender equality. It also welcomed the progress made in the education sector. 46. Latvia noted the visits made by the Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights in Cambodia, and that Cambodia had accepted visit requests by the Special Rapporteur on the rights of persons with disabilities and the Independent Expert on protection against violence and discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity. 47. Lithuania acknowledged the efforts made to improve the human rights situation, and urged Cambodia to consolidate its actions in addressing persisting serious human rights challenges. 48. Malaysia was pleased with the efforts made to promote socioeconomic development. It also noted the progress made in improving access to health-care services, highlighting that, under the health strategic plan for 2016–2020, everyone, including those living in rural areas, would be able to obtain quality health-care services. 49. Maldives recognized the adoption of the health strategic plan for 2016–2020 and the national policy framework for social protection for 2016–2025, and the national anti-torture mechanisms. 50. Mexico appreciated the establishment of the National Committee against Torture and of a department for the legal protection of women in the Ministry of Women’s Affairs. 51. Montenegro welcomed the efforts to strengthen the protection of children’s rights, particularly street children and orphans. It urged the Government to investigate all cases of sexual exploitation of children and to convict offenders. 52. Myanmar commended the successful implementation of the recommendations, and was encouraged by the significant developments in poverty reduction, the promotion of gender equality and equity, and of education and health care. 53. Nepal praised the reduction of poverty and the improvement in living standards, which would have a beneficial impact on the realization of human rights. 54. The Netherlands commended the commitment to inclusive instruction on sexual orientation issues and sexual education. It remained concerned about increasing restrictions on civil society and the media. 55. New Zealand commended the release of some political prisoners in September 2018. It continued to be concerned about the political situation. 56. Norway welcomed the State’s participation in the universal periodic review, yet remained concerned about democratic developments, including the recent elections. 57. Pakistan noted with appreciation the significant efforts made to eliminate discrimination against women and to promote gender equality and equity through development and implementation of various laws, policies, action plans and programmes. 58. The Philippines acknowledged the Government’s plan to adapt the Sustainable Development Goals to the local context, and commended the efforts made to promote human rights awareness through education and training. 59. Portugal welcomed the steps taken to fulfil the right to health. 60. The Republic of Korea was encouraged by the actions and measures taken to protect the rights of women and children, labourers and persons with disabilities, and commended the State for its efforts to realize the Sustainable Development Goals. 61. The Republic of Moldova welcomed the measures taken to prevent gender-based violence against women and the improvement in women’s access to the justice system. 6