A/HRC/21/13 70. Zimbabwe welcomed the significant achievements made by Algeria in ensuring civil, political, social and cultural rights. It noted the constraints and challenges highlighted in its report and Algeria’s resolve to overcome them. Zimbabwe made recommendations. 71. Angola welcomed Algeria’s reforms, which led to the adoption of a new Constitution, and the holding of free and parliamentarian elections. It noted measures to combat terrorism and poverty; the promotion of economic, social and cultural rights; and the achievement of the MDGs. It made a recommendation. 72. Argentina welcomed the Criminal Code reform, criminalizing torture; and the death penalty moratorium. It pointed at the progress concerning women’s rights, particularly the National Strategy of Integration and Promotion of Women 2008-2013 and the Shared Programmed for gender equality and empowerment of women 2009-2011. It made recommendations. 73. Australia welcomed the lifting of the state of emergency and Algeria’s withdrawal of reservation to article 9, paragraph 2, of CEDAW. It remained concerned that Algerians cannot fully exercise their rights to freedom of expression, assembly and association. Australia welcomed the efforts to strengthen the protection of women’s rights. It made recommendations. 74. Azerbaijan urged Algeria to strengthen the National Consultative Commission, as recommended by treaty bodies, and commended Algeria cooperation with Special Procedures. It welcomed the measures to protect women’s rights. Azerbaijan inquired about the establishment and priorities of the National Center for the analysis, information and documentation on family, women and children affairs. 75. Bahrain commended measures to promote women’s rights and fight violence against women and children, as demonstrated by the national strategy to combat violence against women and the national action plan for children 2008–2015, which focuses on strengthening the protection of children from exploitation, abuse and violence. Bahrain made recommendations. 76. Bangladesh appreciated Algeria efforts to guarantee economic, social, cultural, civil and political rights. Bangladesh acknowledged the plans of action and programmes on gender equality, promotion of children’s rights and protection of children from violence. It applauded Algeria’s contribution to OHCHR to assist the least advanced countries. It made recommendations. 77. Belarus welcomed the set of international human rights obligations that Algeria has taken upon itself and its cooperation with special procedures. It noted the comprehensive policy on health care and education and the steps to improve employment and social protection. It welcomed progress in providing primary education. It made recommendations. 78. Belgium noted Algeria’s measures to respect human rights. Recalling that freedom of association is an essential component of democracy, it raised concern about the 12-06 Law (2012) regarding associations as it broadens the conditions under which they can be suspended or dissolved by the authorities. It made recommendations. 79. Brazil welcomed the increased participation of women in political life and its policies to combat violence against women, and inquired about Algeria’s experience in addressing this issue. It highlighted progress on the MDGs, particularly the infant mortality reduction rate. Brazil commended Algeria for prioritizing the eradication of poverty. It made a recommendation. 80. Burkina Faso welcomed Algeria’s National Plan of Action for childhood; the National Strategy (2005–2012) for fighting violence against children; and the cooperation 10 GE.12-14978