A/HRC/36/4 93. Slovakia acknowledged the State’s efforts to tackle gender-based violence. It commended Ecuador for the adoption of the new Organic Act on Human Mobility. It was concerned about the penitentiary and criminal provisions used against human rights defenders. 94. Slovenia was concerned about women’s limited access to therapeutic abortions. It encouraged Ecuador to reduce the discrepancy in access to education between the general population and the indigenous population. 95. South Africa commended Ecuador for the increased investment in social programmes and the work undertaken in the context of the International Decade for People of African Descent. 96. Spain underscored measures adopted to reform the judiciary in order to strengthen its independence, in line with previous recommendations made by Spain and accepted by Ecuador in the context of the universal periodic review process. 97. Sri Lanka highlighted the Government’s efforts to implement the National Plan for Good Living 2013-2017 and, following the earthquake of April 2016, encouraged the State to invest in disaster risk reduction measures. 98. The State of Palestine underscored the State’s efforts on quality education and the environment, as well as the progress achieved in the implementation of accepted recommendations from the previous review. 99. Sweden stated that, despite the fact that Ecuador had accepted previous review recommendations on freedom of expression, a new communications law had been passed in 2013 that limited freedom of expression and allowed the Government to restrict the media. 100. Switzerland was concerned about the situation relating to freedom of expression and the harassment and intimidation of civil society organizations, particularly those that defended the rights of indigenous peoples, minorities and human rights defenders. 101. Thailand applauded the establishment of the national equality councils but remained concerned by ongoing discrimination on the basis of gender and race. It welcomed the development of the SIDERECHOS platform. 102. Timor-Leste welcomed the adoption of the Comprehensive Criminal Code, the Organic Act on National Equality Councils and the National Plan for Good Living 20132017. It also appreciated the efforts made to promote and protect women’s rights. 103. Turkey welcomed the introduction of a minimum age for marriage, namely 18 years, in line with previous recommendations. It also welcomed the increased participation of women in public life and encouraged the State to strengthen efforts to promote and protect women’s rights. 104. Uganda noted the ratification of the ILO Domestic Workers Convention, 2011 (No. 189), the ILO Workers with Family Responsibilities Convention, 1981 (No. 156) and the Convention on the Reduction of Statelessness, in line with previous recommendations. It welcomed the National Plan for Good Living and the Organic Act on Disabilities. 105. Ukraine encouraged Ecuador to continue its efforts to implement and update an information system to follow up on recommendations made by human rights mechanisms, combat racism and racial discrimination and ensure the proper functioning of the Ombudsman’s Office. 106. The United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland urged an equitable and balanced application of the Organic Act on Communication. It encouraged Ecuador to respect the rights of indigenous people and to consult them fully on projects that might have an impact on them. 107. The United States of America was concerned about the restrictions on freedom of speech and on civil society organizations and about the lack of judicial independence caused by the executive branch exerting pressure on the judiciary. 108. Uruguay welcomed the State’s achievements in the fields of health, child labour and efforts to fight discrimination on grounds of sexual orientation and gender identity. 9