A/HRC/16/17 allocated in electoral mandates, which had led to their representation in municipal councils, the judiciary and other State institutions. Algeria made recommendations. 17. Senegal noted the positive strides made in promoting and protecting human rights, despite a context characterized by some institutional instability. It congratulated Mauritania on the strong measures taken to do away with slavery and welcomed the progress achieved in promoting women’s rights, the fact that Mauritania had given priority to the return and total integration of Mauritanians who had been refugees in Senegal, and the fact that an OHCHR office would soon open in Nouakchott. Senegal made recommendations. 18. Qatar acknowledged the positive measures taken to address the discrimination issue. It also noted the efforts made with regard to the national human rights institution and its work with civil society to implement human rights policy, as this had been done by the Ministry of Children and the Family. It was pleased that steps and efforts had been undertaken by the Government to achieve reconciliation among all people in the country and encouraged this to continue. Qatar made a recommendation. 19. Oman commended Mauritania for the measures taken to fulfil its international commitments. It highlighted the country’s efforts in building institutions such as the Commission for Human Rights, as well as its humanitarian action and relations with civil society. It made a recommendation. 20. Saudi Arabia noted with appreciation that national legislation and policy had included human rights principles. It also welcomed the fact that Mauritania had established a national human rights institution and had provided compulsory education for all children between the ages of 6 and 14. It made a recommendation. 21. Bahrain noted the priorities and challenges, particularly extreme poverty, a major obstacle to the full enjoyment of economic and social rights. It also expressed appreciation for the Government’s efforts to promote the advancement of women and for the progress made in building institutions and the judiciary in order to protect women and children, and in creating a civil society that provided care and protection for them. Bahrain requested further information about efforts made to combat poverty through social security. Bahrain made a recommendation. 22. Greece recognized Mauritania’s efforts to promote and advance the status of women in society. It expressed concern over Mauritania’s general reservation to CEDAW and its reservations to certain provisions of ICCPR, relating to the implementation of shariah law. It made recommendations. 23. Palestine was pleased that the report submitted by Mauritania indicated the Government’s great interest in human rights. Mauritania had codified international human rights principles in its national law. In addition, Mauritania had criminalized slavery and had adopted a broad programme to eliminate it. 24. Mexico welcomed the principal activities undertaken to improve health care and universal access to education. It welcomed initiatives to involve women in politics. It requested further details about the current status of the implementation of conclusions resulting from the study on social protection. Mexico made recommendations. 25. Tunisia welcomed the continued cooperation between Mauritania and international mechanisms for the promotion and protection of human rights. It appreciated the role played by institutions such as the Ombudsman, as an independent institution for mediation between the governmental administration and citizens to settle conflicts in a cordial and neutral manner. It made a recommendation. 5