A/HRC/36/13 104. The Philippines lauded the constitutional amendments, including those relating to the strengthening of the independence of the judiciary, guarantees of participatory democracy, gender equality and the establishment of an independent elections oversight body. 105. Portugal appreciated the adoption of a law criminalizing domestic violence against women and welcomed efforts in the areas of education and health. It expressed regret about the absence of a legislative framework and administrative institutions for the protection of refugees, asylum seekers and stateless persons. 106. The Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela applauded the constitutional reform. It noted that access to education and to health was free and universal and that the Millennium Development Goals in those areas had been reached before the deadline. 107. The Republic of Korea welcomed the reinforcement of human rights through institutional and socioeconomic reform processes and constitutional amendments, the criminalization of domestic violence, and the State’s cooperation with human rights mechanisms. 108. The Republic of Moldova welcomed the constitutional amendments and noted many remaining challenges, particularly regarding the freedoms of expression, religion or belief and peaceful assembly. It expressed concern regarding persecution of journalists, limited civil society space, and discrimination and violence against religious minorities. 109. Rwanda commended the constitutional review that promoted the rule of law and consolidated democratic process. While noting progress in combating violence against women, it encouraged the State to fully implement, and eliminate loopholes in, national legislation. 110. Saudi Arabia commended efforts to reinforce the right to education and considered the constitutional reforms a positive step at the institutional, political, social and economic levels. It commended improvements in health indicators. 111. Senegal welcomed the 2016 constitutional revision and the criminalization of violence against women. 112. Serbia commended the efforts to guarantee access to education and welcomed that gender equality had largely been achieved at all educational levels. It encouraged the implementation of policies aimed at protecting women. 113. Sierra Leone welcomed the national action plan aimed at child protection, health and quality education. It encouraged the State to continue to work with the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees for effective registration of Saharawi living in precarious conditions. 114. Slovenia welcomed the new Constitution, which included provisions on creating the National Human Rights Council, and the criminalization of domestic violence against women. 115. South Africa commended the constitutional review process and the State’s steadfast support and courageous defence of the people of Western Sahara regarding selfdetermination. 116. South Sudan applauded the adoption of institutional, political and socioeconomic reforms, and welcomed the establishment of the National Human Rights Council and the provision of training at law enforcement institutions. 117. Spain welcomed the 2016 constitutional reform and the establishment of the National Human Rights Council. 118. Sri Lanka welcomed the constitutional amendments, including the establishment of the Constitutional Council and the high independent authority for elections oversight. 119. The State of Palestine noted the progress in the area of education and welcomed that a large amount of the national budget was dedicated to that right. It welcomed amendments to the Criminal Code aimed at protecting women. GE.17-12216 9