A/HRC/43/2 Margarida Izata, introduced Angola’s position on the recommendations received during its third universal periodic review to the Human Rights Council. 634. The delegation indicated that Angola had accepted 259 recommendations out of the 270 recommendations it had received during its third periodic review, and noted the remaining 11. 635. Supported recommendations addressed issues that included: compliance with international obligations, ratification and accession to international instruments, reforming the country’s legal framework in line with human rights principles, national human rights institutions and structures, cooperation with special mechanisms of the Human Rights Council, the right to development, the environment and business and human rights, ensuring fundamental freedoms and safeguarding the right to equality and non-discrimination, the administration of justice and combating corruption, the right to work, access to health and education, and the protection of vulnerable groups. 636. The recommendations and observations received had been both constructive and in line with national programmes and priorities, specifically those enshrined in the National Development Plan 2018–2022 and aimed at strengthening institutions related to the rule of law, improving the Human Development Index and promoting and protecting rights, freedoms and guarantees. 637. The delegation provided additional information on specific recommendations supported by Angola. It was indicated that recommendations concerning the adoption of a National Human Rights Strategy (made, among others, by Azerbaijan, Botswana, the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea, Gabon, Georgia, Libya, Mauritania and Venezuela (Bolivarian Republic of)) and the drafting of a National Plan to Prevent and Combat Human Trafficking (made by the Central African Republic, the Congo, Georgia, Iraq, Iran (Islamic Republic of), Jordan, Nepal, Paraguay, Senegal, Tunisia and the United States of America) had already been addressed as the Cabinet of Ministers had approved, in February 2020, their respective instruments. 638. The National Human Rights Strategy would be the new political framework for the strengthening of the capacity of Angola to promote, defend, monitor, correct, report and denounce attacks on human rights, in an objective manner. According to the Presidential decree that adopted this strategy, human rights were now considered part of the remit of national defence, which would warrant a periodic assessment by the National Security Council. 639. Concerning the National Plan to Prevent and Combat Human Trafficking, the delegation highlighted that it sets out targets and means to address effectively and efficiently this global threat. As such, it will involve many different sectors with a view to ensuring that victims are provided with adequate protection and can reintegrate into society. Angola counted on the support of the international community for the successful implementation of this plan. 640. The delegation of Angola also provided additional information concerning the 11 recommendations that had been noted. 641. Regarding the establishment of a national human rights institution that is in line with the Paris Principles, the delegation indicated that the Ombudsperson of Angola was a public, independent entity whose aim was to defend the rights, freedoms and guarantees of citizens and to ensure, through informal avenues, that the justice system and public administration functioned in accordance with the law. The Ombudsperson’s Statute is in conformity with the Paris Principles regarding its competences, responsibilities and mandate, as set out in the Constitution. The delegation noted that this institution, de facto, performs the role of a national human rights institution, as is the case in other countries. 100