A/HRC/37/17 61. Saudi Arabia noted the ratification of the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities. It welcomed the constitutional amendment strengthening the independence of the Human Rights Commission of Sri Lanka. 62. Senegal noted positively the strengthening of the Human Rights Commission of Sri Lanka following the nineteenth amendment to the Constitution, and the National Human Rights Action Plan. 63. Serbia commended the ratification of the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities. It encouraged Sri Lanka to continue to fight discrimination on all grounds, providing equality between men and women and securing protection of all vulnerable groups. 64. Sierra Leone applauded the National Human Rights Action Plan and the Peacebuilding Priority Plan, and encouraged Sri Lanka to implement its strategic plan on human trafficking and to continue combating child marriage. 65. Singapore noted the National Human Rights Action Plan for 2017–2021 and progress made in alleviating poverty since the last review. 66. Slovakia welcomed the ratification of the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities. It was concerned at the recognition of the death penalty in criminal legislation and at the use of torture during criminal investigations. 67. Slovenia noted undertakings to introduce a new constitution and encouraged Sri Lanka to fulfil commitments on transitional justice. It expressed concern about the persistence of sociocultural values condoning domestic and gender-based violence. 68. South Africa welcomed the progress made and the inclusion of human rights education in the training of law enforcement officers, the armed forces and prison officers. 69. Spain acknowledged the adoption of the National Human Rights Action Plan and the ratification of the International Convention for the Protection of All Persons from Enforced Disappearance. 70. The State of Palestine commended the Government’s efforts for reconciliation and to prevent acts of violence and intimidation against human rights defenders and journalists. 71. The Sudan noted the ratification of the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities and the adoption of the National Human Rights Action Plan. It commended Sri Lanka for its standing invitation to special procedures and ensuring some of their visits. 72. Sweden thanked Sri Lanka for its report and presentation. 73. Switzerland welcomed the reforms, in particular on freedoms of expression, assembly, movement and circulation, as well as initiatives in the governance of the security sector. 74. Thailand welcomed progress in promoting reconciliation, transitional justice and human rights and commended the National Action Plan for Human Rights. 75. The former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia welcomed commitments to reconciliation and accountability for past abuses, while expressing concern that protests in the North had indicated frustration at the lack of progress. 76. Timor-Leste appreciated the plan on human trafficking and the Prevention of Domestic Violence Act. It welcomed legislation aimed at increasing the transparency and independence of institutions. 77. Tunisia welcomed measures on reconciliation and transitional justice, and the ratification, inter alia, of the International Convention for the Protection of All Persons from Enforced Disappearance. 78. The United Arab Emirates appreciated the efforts to build sustainable economic development and social justice and to consolidate the rule of law and good governance. 7