A/HRC/21/12 66. Cambodia welcomed the measures undertaken in the fight against human trafficking and the efforts made to strengthen the justice system. It noted that the Philippines actively promoted human rights within the Southeast Asian region. Cambodia made a recommendation. 67. Canada requested information regarding the violation of human rights by security forces, in particular with regard to how the authorities intended to achieve the objectives established for the training programme and ensure that all members of the security forces are reached and what would be the consequences for anyone not complying with the principles taught during the training. Canada made recommendations. 68. Chile welcomed with satisfaction the progress accomplished by the Philippines with the adoption of the Magna Carta of Women that provided legal protection against all forms of violence and discrimination in the areas of employment, education and instruction, and of the Anti-Torture Act that identifies torture as a punishable criminal act. Chile made recommendations. 69. Cuba commended the efforts undertaken to address the needs of the poor and other vulnerable groups through the setting up of the Philippine Development Plan and the legal framework which enabled the implementation of recommendations in the areas of the rights of women and children. Cuba made recommendations. 70. Denmark requested information on the timeframe for the deposit of the instrument of ratification of the Optional Protocol to the Convention against Torture and on the obstacles to the implementation of the Anti- Torture Act. It remained concerned by reports that State forces remained implicated in torture, enforced disappearances and unlawful killings. Denmark made recommendations. 71. Ecuador highlighted the approval of rules related to the environment and its protection which allowed any citizen to present complaints for obliging the authorities to protect and preserve the environment. Ecuador made recommendations. 72. Egypt welcomed the steps taken towards poverty eradication and ending impunity for human rights violations as well as the adoption of the Magna Carta of Women and the committees on Anti-Violence against Women and their Children. It requested information on measures taken to improve child and maternal health. Egypt made recommendations. 73. France was concerned by the enforced disappearances and extrajudicial killings occurring in the country. It welcomed Philippines’ accession to the Optional Protocol to the Convention against Torture, but noted that acts of torture continued in detention places. It also welcomed the steps undertaken in the fight against trafficking in persons. France made recommendations. 74. Germany appreciated the Philippines’ accession to the Rome Statute and to the Optional Protocol to the Convention against Torture and thanked it for its commitment and cooperation in the fight against trafficking in persons. However, it was concerned about remaining human rights violations. Germany made recommendations. 75. The Holy See welcomed the approval of the Rules of Procedure for Environmental Cases and the programme to increase access to justice by the poor. It noted that the country was still confronted with human rights issues such as extrajudicial killings, torture, physical violence and enforced disappearances. The Holy See made recommendations. 76. Hungary commended the Government for its programmes aimed at reducing extrajudicial killings and forced disappearances in the Philippines. While welcoming initiatives taken, Hungary enquired about the efforts made to improve the right to education, especially for children with disabilities and children working or living on the street. Hungary made recommendations. 10