A/HRC/28/6 43. The Netherlands remained concerned with the human rights situation and lack of progress and noted that persecution and intimidation of human rights defenders and journalists continued to be widespread. It urged that their safety and freedom to carry out their work be guaranteed. It was concerned that amended section 144a of the Criminal Code severely restricted the rights and freedoms of lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and intersex (LGBTI) persons. 44. Nicaragua commended the action taken to provide the education system with the resources required to ensure that the right to education was enjoyed by all. It trusted that the Vision 2020 strategy would serve as a key tool for overcoming the lack of resources and eradicating poverty. 45. The Niger commended the achievement of the Millennium Development Goals on free primary school enrolment, the adoption of the National Health Policy, the creation of the National Agency for Legal Aid to facilitate access to justice for vulnerable persons, and the adoption of the Domestic Violence Act and the Sexual Offences Act. 46. The Philippines noted that available human and material resources were insufficient to implement anti-trafficking programmes. With a view to eradicating poverty, it encouraged the Gambia to examine opportunities for accessing modern agricultural technology and to seek the support of all sectors of society in ensuring food security. 47. Portugal welcomed the steps taken towards the creation of a national human rights institution. It expressed deep concern about the number of executions that had taken place in 2012, and noted that a de facto moratorium on the death penalty had been reinstated in 2013. It requested further information on measures envisaged to address school drop-out rates, especially for girls. 48. Rwanda commended the Gambia for progress made in poverty reduction, ensuring equitable access to education, improving maternal health and reducing infant mortality. It also commended the action to reform the judiciary, improve access to justice, prevent FGM, and combat sexual and gender-based violence. 49. Senegal encouraged the Gambia to pursue its efforts to reform the justice system and enhance its independence. Greater attention should be paid to the right to life and security of persons. Persons in conflict with the law, especially those sentenced to death, should have access to all avenues of appeal. 50. Sierra Leone commended the Gambia for progress made in the social and economic spheres, the legislation on sexual and gender-based violence and the reinforcement of the National Plan of Action against the Sexual Abuse and Exploitation of Children. It urged the Gambia to intensify its efforts to establish a national human rights institution and a protective mechanism for refugees, and to promote freedom of expression, association and peaceful assembly. 51. Singapore took positive note of efforts to improve access to education and the achievement of the Millennium Development Goals on gender parity in primary and lower secondary schools, with upper secondary school figures on track. It noted efforts by the National AIDS Council and Secretariat to combat HIV/AIDS and the relatively low prevalence among adults. 52. Slovakia noted that the conditions in prisons remained unsatisfactory and requested more information on the situation. It shared the concerns of the Special Rapporteurs on freedom of expression and on human rights defenders. 53. Slovenia commended the ratification of the Optional Protocol to the Convention on the Rights of the Child on the sale of children, child prostitution and child pornography (OP-CRC-SC). It requested information about the measures taken to prohibit violence 8