A/HRC/23/9 87. The United States of America welcomed several measures, but expressed concern at political violence, impunity, harassment of those reporting corruption and human rights abuses, and the absence of prosecutions of perpetrators of trafficking. It made recommendations. 88. Uruguay welcomed the NIHRC. Despite changes to criminal legislation, the continued criminalization of homosexuality raised concerns. Uruguay noted that de facto discrimination of certain groups continued to be tolerated. It made recommendations. 89. The Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela highlighted the NIHRC, the amended criminal code, measures to protect children, the national strategy to combat gender-based violence and the provision of health insurance cards. It made a recommendation. 90. Viet Nam noted the efforts for national reconstruction. Measures had been introduced to foster peace, the rule of law, social cohesion and the enjoyment of basic human rights, particularly by women and children. Viet Nam made recommendations. 91. Zimbabwe highlighted efforts to establish a truth and reconciliation commission. It welcomed the NIHRC, amendments to the Criminal Code, and the implementation of quotas to increase women’s participation in decision-making bodies. Zimbabwe made recommendations. 92. Algeria noted quotas for women in decision-making posts; action taken to combat trafficking and discrimination against albinos and Batwa; programmes for girls’ education and the national sanitation plan. Algeria made recommendations. 93. Angola took note of the new Criminal Code; the NIHRC; the ratification of the Palermo Protocol, and action taken on disarmament, transitional justice, women and children, and poverty reduction. Angola made a recommendation. 94. Argentina welcomed the establishment of the NIHRC and a tripartite commission involving the Government, the United Nations and civil society to set up transitional justice mechanisms. Argentina made recommendations. 95. Armenia noted legislative improvements to strengthen human rights. It requested more information on measures to implement transitional justice mechanisms and create a truth and reconciliation commission. Armenia made recommendations. 96. Australia welcomed the decrease in political killings, but remained concerned about continuing reports of torture and extrajudicial executions. It acknowledged the important role of civil society, journalists and opposition parties. Australia made recommendations. 97. Austria welcomed the operational NIHRC and plans for a truth and reconciliation commission. It was concerned about reports of extrajudicial executions, arbitrary detentions and harassment of human rights defenders and journalists. It asked how the situation of Batwa would be improved. Austria made recommendations. 98. Azerbaijan supported efforts for the peace process. It welcomed the strengthening of the legislative and institutional frameworks of Burundi, measures to combat gender-based violence and positive steps to protect and promote children’s rights. Azerbaijan made recommendations. 99. Bangladesh noted that poverty remained a serious issue, hampering the full enjoyment of human rights in a country struggling to recover from civil war. Nevertheless, Burundi was making considerable efforts to improve human rights, despite a lack of resources. Bangladesh called for adequate international support for the endeavours of Burundi. 100. Belgium was concerned about extrajudicial executions and combating impunity, and asked what measures were being taken to advance prosecutions. It would support training GE.13-12565 11