A/HRC/36/16 104. South Sudan welcomed efforts to improve standards of living and housing by prioritizing access to water and sanitation. 105. Norway noted that since the end of apartheid South Africa had strongly supported the international human rights system. 106. Sri Lanka noted the progress made in improving maternal mortality and life expectancy and the measures taken to expand access to education. 107. The State of Palestine noted the development of a national plan to combat racism, racial discrimination, xenophobia and related intolerance. 108. The Sudan appreciated the adoption of the national development plan and the drafting of a national action plan to combat racism, racial discrimination and related intolerance. 109. Sweden commended South Africa for accepting most of the recommendations arising from the second cycle of the universal periodic review. 110. Switzerland expressed concern about the increase in the number of cases of torture reported by the Independent Police Investigative Directorate. 111. Thailand welcomed the steps taken to address xenophobia and hate crimes, including the adoption of relevant laws. 112. Timor-Leste welcomed the enactment of the South African Human Rights Commission Act and the Prevention and Combating of Trafficking in Persons Act. 113. Togo appreciated the measures and action taken with a view to eliminating poverty and reducing inequalities. 114. Tunisia welcomed the efforts made to enhance economic and social rights, particularly the national development plan, which is aimed at eradicating poverty and inequality. 115. Turkey drew attention to challenges such as unemployment, poverty and social inequality, which were directly linked to the increasing crime rates and xenophobia. 116. Uganda noted the Socioeconomic Justice for All programme, as well as its policy on inclusive education. 117. Ukraine welcomed the steps taken to ensure the right to education for all and combat different forms of gender-based violence and discrimination. 118. The United Arab Emirates commended South Africa for taking steps to combat trafficking in persons, including by adopting legislation criminalizing trafficking. 119. The United States of America was concerned that women, girls, migrants and lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and intersex individuals continued to suffer from violence and societal prejudice. 120. Uruguay welcomed the Prevention and Combating of Hate Crimes and Hate Speech Bill and measures to ensure access to water and sanitation. 121. The Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela congratulated South Africa for its world leadership in the application of the Durban Declaration and Programme of Action. 122. Yemen commended South Africa for ratifying the International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights and for enacting legislation against torture. 123. Zambia was concerned about the high prevalence of harmful practices, including virginity testing, violent or harmful initiation rights and intersex genital mutilation. 124. Zimbabwe noted the ratification of the International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights and the submission of country reports. 125. Albania commended South Africa for the ratification of international instruments and its commitment to the global system of governance. 9