E/C.12/CRI/CO/5 United Nations Economic and Social Council Distr.: General 21 October 2016 English Original: Spanish Committee on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights Concluding observations on the fifth periodic report of Costa Rica* 1. The Committee considered the fifth periodic report of Costa Rica (E/C.12/CRI/5) at its 51st and 52nd meetings (see E/C.12/SR.51 and 52), held on 19 and 20 September 2016. It adopted the present concluding observations at its 79th meeting, held on 7 October 2016. A. Introduction 2. The Committee welcomes the submission of the fifth periodic report of Costa Rica and the written replies to the list of issues (E/C.12/CRI/Q/5/Add.1), which were supplemented by the oral responses provided by the delegation. The Committee expresses appreciation for the constructive and open dialogue held with the high-level delegation of the State party. The Committee is pleased to have received the additional information offered during the dialogue. B. Positive aspects 3. The Committee welcomes the following legislative and other measures taken by the State party: (a) The amendment, in August 2015, of article 1 of the Constitution to recognize the multi-ethnic and pluricultural character of the State party; (b) The adoption, on 30 June 2016, of the Act on the Promotion of the Personal Autonomy of Persons with Disabilities (No. 9379); (c) The adoption, on 9 December 2015, of the Labour Law Reform Act; (d) The adoption of the national employment and production strategy in August 2014. 4. The Committee welcomes the ratification of the Optional Protocol to the International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights, on 23 September 2014. * Adopted by the Committee at its fifty-ninth session (19 September-7 October 2016). GE.16-18309 (E) 161116 161116 

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