A/HRC/40/10 112. Spain commended Jordan for its reform of the Criminal Code. However, it highlighted that Jordan had not yet ratified the Second Optional Protocol to the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, aiming at the abolition of the death penalty, and expressed concern about restrictions on freedom of expression. 113. Sri Lanka expressed appreciation for the decision taken by Jordan to open its border to Syrian refugees who were seeking protection. It noted the steps taken to strengthen the national human rights framework. 114. The State of Palestine commended the steps taken by Jordan to promote human rights, including its adoption of the Comprehensive National Human Rights Plan 2016– 2025. It encouraged Jordan to continue its efforts to combat human trafficking. 115. The Sudan commended Jordan for its positive engagement with the review process. It welcomed its efforts to implement “Jordan 2025: a National Strategy and Vision” and the plans adopted in the field of human rights, in particular to improve transparency, combat corruption and guarantee freedom of expression. 116. Sweden acknowledged some positive development in the area of media legislation, but expressed concern about the ambiguity of definitions and the risk of overly broad interpretations. It stated that many challenges remained for the advancement of gender equality. 117. Switzerland expressed concern over restrictions on freedom of assembly and over recent executions. It welcomed the reforms aimed at limiting temporary detention and called for concrete measures to ensure the protection of all workers. 118. Thailand commended the launch of the Comprehensive National Human Rights Plan and the National Plan for Implementation of the Sustainable Development Goals. It applauded the repealing of the section of the Criminal Code that had exempted perpetrators of sexual assault from punishment if they married their victims. 119. Tunisia thanked Jordan for the information contained in its national report, which attested to its progress made in the field of human rights. It welcomed the inclusive approach taken by Jordan in the preparation of its national report. 120. Turkey welcomed the positive developments made in the field of women’s rights, including the repealing of article 308 of the Criminal Code, which had allowed those accused of rape to avoid punishment if they married their victims. 121. Turkmenistan commended Jordan for its adoption of national policies, strategies and plans aimed at reaching the required international human rights standards, highlighting its efforts to establish new institutions and bodies to protect and uphold human rights. 122. Uganda expressed appreciation for the amendments made to the Criminal Code to protect women against rape. It encouraged Jordan to enhance its efforts to increase the participation of women in positions of leadership and decision-making. 123. Ukraine recognized the progress made by Jordan in improving its human rights situation, including through the implementation of the recommendations it had accepted during the second review cycle, specifically in relation to the eradication of torture, and to persons with disabilities and victims of human trafficking. 124. The United Arab Emirates welcomed the adoption of a number of national strategies, including the Comprehensive National Human Rights Plan 2016–2025, the Strategic Plan for Education 2018–2022 and the draft national strategy for Jordanian women 2020–2030. 125. The United Kingdom welcomed the positive steps taken by Jordan towards implementing the recommendations from previous review cycles and commended its longstanding hospitality, having hosted over 650,000 registered Syrian refugees since 2011. 126. The United States remained concerned by a variety of laws that restricted fundamental freedoms and had led to the arrest and detention of journalists, civil society activists and social media users. 10