A/HRC/36/12 37. Costa Rica was concerned about the war on drugs, as it incited extrajudicial executions, enforced disappearances and torture. 38. Croatia encouraged a more proactive approach that linked the principle of the rule of law to the socioeconomic development agenda in order to achieve a more comprehensive integration of human rights norms. 39. Cuba highlighted the existence of a human rights commission with a mandate to investigate human rights violations, as well as the work of the commission on women to counter discrimination against women. 40. Czechia acknowledged the efforts and accomplishments in closing the gender gap. 41. Denmark expressed concern about the fact that some recent initiatives to combat crime, including the war on drugs, might lead to impunity and violations of human rights. It also expressed concern about the high number of attacks on human rights defenders. 42. Ecuador praised the actions taken to protect domestic workers, including the joint operations handbook, and the commitments to protect the environment through a national plan and specific laws. 43. Egypt urged the Philippines to uphold international human rights norms in the context of the war on drugs. It noted the peace plan between the Government and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front. 44. Estonia noted the efforts made by the Philippines to meet its human rights obligations since its previous review. 45. France raised concerns regarding the proliferation of extrajudicial executions and inquired about the national surveillance mechanisms that existed in that area. 46. Georgia called on the Philippines to refrain from restoring the death penalty and to issue a standing invitation to the special procedure mandate holders. 47. Germany expressed deep concern about reports of human rights violations in the context of the so-called war on drugs. 48. Ghana stated that, despite the acceptance by the Philippines of 11 recommendations on putting an end to extrajudicial killings and strengthening accountability for those crimes at the previous review, such killings remained widespread. 49. Guatemala acknowledged the accession by the Philippines to the Optional Protocol to the Convention against Torture. It expressed concern at reports that the Government’s campaign against drugs had resulted in the persecution and killing of drug users and drug traffickers. 50. Haiti welcomed the success of the economic programmes in the Philippines. 51. The Holy See referred to reports of trafficking in Philippine men, women and children for labour exploitation. It also expressed concern about extrajudicial killings and enforced disappearances. 52. Honduras highlighted the progress made in the areas of social inclusion, participation of women in decision-making and youth education. 53. Hungary expressed concern about the fact that since President Duterte had taken office and announced a campaign targeting those allegedly involved in drug-related activities, over 7,000 people had been killed by the police and unknown individuals. It also referred to the threats faced by human rights defenders. 54. Iceland expressed alarm over the high rate of killings since the election of President Duterte and referred to the allegations of enforced disappearances, torture and other illtreatment by police officers. 55. Indonesia commended the Philippines for completing the human resources road map for 2016-2022, the significant budget allocated to public education and the commitment to fighting human trafficking. 5