A/HRC/42/8 37. Oman noted some development initiatives in line with the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. 38. Pakistan commended Bhutan for efforts to eliminate poverty, particularly in rural areas, and for programmes on education, health, agriculture, the rule of law, good governance and anti-corruption. 39. Peru highlighted efforts to implement the recommendations of the Committee on the Elimination of Discrimination against Women and the Committee on the Rights of the Child. 40. The Philippines recognized efforts in the areas of poverty reduction, youth employment, climate adaptation and disaster management. 41. Portugal saluted Bhutan on the strengthening of the National Commission for Women and Children. 42. Qatar commended Bhutan for progress regarding access to health care and quality education, poverty alleviation, good governance, anti-corruption, and women’s and children’s rights. 43. The Russian Federation referred to a complicated human rights situation in Bhutan but commended it for actions regarding extreme poverty, development, and access to health care and education. 44. Saudi Arabia noted efforts to fight illiteracy and ensure access to education for all. 45. Senegal expressed appreciation to Bhutan for its innovative mechanisms for financing the health sector, and for its commitment to focusing more on the rights of women and children. 46. Serbia commended Bhutan for accelerating the promotion of human rights through policy and legislative measures, and the implementation of those measures at the grassroots level through targeted plans. 47. Seychelles noted positively the enhancement by Bhutan of its legislative human rights framework, poverty reduction, and the country’s accession to the United Nations Convention against Corruption. 48. Sierra Leone applauded the efforts by Bhutan to achieve Sustainable Development Goal 4 on quality education for particularly vulnerable and economically disadvantaged students. 49. Singapore noted the poverty reduction in Bhutan, through broad-based and targeted programmes, and commended the country for efforts to enhance access to education through the central schools system. 50. Slovenia welcomed the recent inclusion of gender equality and women’s and girls’ empowerment among the National Key Result Areas, and the endorsement of genderresponsive planning. 51. Spain congratulated Bhutan on the progress made in consolidating an institutional democratic system within the framework of a Constitution to protect fundamental rights and freedoms. 52. Sri Lanka commended Bhutan for actions to strengthen the legislative and judicial branches of the State, and for the ratification of the United Nations Convention against Corruption. 53. The State of Palestine commended Bhutan for the steps taken to improve education through the establishment of central schools, particularly for children from rural communities. 54. Switzerland welcomed the progress made, particularly in political rights, including the three democratic elections which had contributed to a better representation of women. 5