A/HRC/27/14 45. Chad noted the strengthening of human rights institutions, the creation of an NHRAP, the ratification of international human rights instruments and the adoption of national strategies. 46. Chile acknowledged efforts to continue advancing the promotion and protection of all human rights. 47. China welcomed the economic development, establishment of the NHRAP, and protection of the rights of women, children and persons with disabilities. 48. The Congo appreciated commitment to the recommendations from the first UPR cycle . 49. Costa Rica noted advances since the first UPR. It was concerned about restrictions on freedom of expression and freedom of association. 50. Côte d’Ivoire noted the incorporation in domestic law of international conventions ratified by Ethiopia, and measures taken to promote civil, political and cultural rights. 51. Cuba congratulated Ethiopia on its excellent national report and presentation and wished it a successful review. 52. Cyprus stated that despite the criminalization of harmful traditional practices and efforts by Ethiopia, FGM remained widespread. 53. The Czech Republic commended Ethiopia’s progress in ensuring economic and social rights but was concerned at the gaps in the realization of civil and political rights. 54. The Democratic Republic of the Congo acknowledged Ethiopia’s progress in all sectors, adoption of the NHRAP and strengthening of women’s and children’s rights. 55. Denmark welcomed, inter alia, the proposals in the NHRAP to promote the rights of vulnerable groups, but was concerned that the Plan did not provide a sufficient role for civil society. 56. Djibouti said that Ethiopia had contributed to the African Union since its inception and had played a significant role in combating regional terrorism. 57. The delegation of Ethiopia stated that the pillars underpinning implementation of the NHRAP were: creating supervisory bodies to monitor the performance plans of implementing institutions; raising awareness of the Plan; collaborating with development partners and civil associations, and public participation; utilizing the national human rights institutions (NHRIs); and promoting human rights education. 58. Accepted UPR recommendations, reports to United Nations and African Union human rights bodies and corresponding feedback had been taken into consideration in developing the Action Plan, thus providing a good opportunity for Ethiopia to implement its international commitments. 59. The Action Plan envisaged that NHRIs would act as independent monitoring bodies, while the Ombudsman would monitor implementation of the Plan in connection with the exercise of administrative and executive powers. Each implementing body had developed detailed annual plans, which were monitored by federal and regional legislative bodies. Comprehensive reporting mechanisms had also been put in place at the federal and regional levels. 60. The delegation stated that the Constitution guaranteed the independence of the judiciary and set out court structures and powers. Judicial independence was key to Ethiopia’s legal system. To increase access to justice, there was a need to build capacity and train more judges, prosecutors and police officers; a number of steps had been taken in that direction. 7