A/HRC/16/17 to deepen its cooperation recommendations. with United Nations mechanisms. Angola made 78. The Syrian Arab Republic commended Mauritania for its excellent relations with its neighbours and its efforts regarding the protection of public freedoms and in the areas of education and health care. It praised the concrete and serious steps taken, particularly through the adoption in 2008 of a programme to eliminate the remnants of slavery and assist victims. It made a recommendation. 79. Chile highlighted the signing of a multipart agreement that had contributed to the return of constitutional law. Chile praised the process of the voluntary repatriation of refugees and the defined policies for their integration. The international community should respond to Mauritania’s appeal, as indicated in the national report, for support for various high-impact development programmes to assist the country in addressing human rights challenges. Chile made recommendations. 80. Latvia noted that three special procedures mandate holders had recently visited Mauritania and that two other requests to visit the country had been agreed upon in principle. Latvia made a recommendation. 81. Burkina Faso highlighted the determination of Mauritania to comply with the principles set out in international human rights law and encouraged it to continue its work for the ratification and internalization of international conventions regarding the promotion and protection of human rights. Burkina Faso made recommendations. 82. Having carefully studied Mauritania’s report, Nigeria saluted the self-imposed moratorium on the death penalty, which demonstrated the Government’s willingness to guarantee the enjoyment of human rights. It also recognized the various challenges facing Mauritania, including in the areas of health, education, the environment, external debt and poor infrastructure, in fulfilling its human rights commitments. Nigeria made recommendations. 83. Ecuador noted the progress made in the protection of the family and children, as well as the decision to open an OHCHR office. Ecuador made recommendations. 84. The Sudan inquired about measures that Mauritania intended to take to address the fact that it had high death and maternal mortality rates, despite national efforts to reduce them. The Sudan made recommendations. 85. The chairperson of the National Human Rights Commission recalled that the Act of 20 July 2010 had brought the Commission fully into line with the Paris Principles. In carrying out its mandate, the Commission made unannounced visits to places of detention, investigated alleged human rights violations, carried out promotion, research and education activities in partnership with non-governmental organizations, technical and financial partners and relevant authorities, and formulated recommendations, many of which were included in the annual report it submitted to the President. 86. Although the Commission had participated in preparing the national report, it had also written its own report, in which it discussed the institutional progress achieved and the efforts made by the Government. It also, however, highlighted the constraints and obstacles that must be removed in order to ensure the full enjoyment of human rights. 87. The chairperson of the Commission also outlined those areas that should form the focus of priority action and new initiatives in creating a genuine human rights culture. He urged States and the international community to provide Mauritania with all the support that it needed. 88. Another member of the Commission stressed the importance of dialogue and consultation among majority and opposition parties on significant issues, which would help 12