A/HRC/43/2 stated that allegations of human rights violations would be immediately investigated. It also stated that the moratorium on the death penalty could not be taken into consideration at present time in the light of the exceptional circumstances experienced by Iraq. The delegation stated that its partial support to these five recommendations did not represent an endorsement of aspects of the recommendations it noted. 748. The delegation reviewed its third universal periodic review report despite the many challenges, such as the presence of the Islamic State in Iraq and the Levant, which continued to control large swathes of the Iraqi territory and commit the worst crimes against all Iraqi society. Despite the challenges, the Government stated that it has continued to work with international organisations in order to clear large areas from the remnants of mines and explosives, which led to the return of over 85 per cent of those displaced. 749. The Government stated having enacted several policies aimed to reduce violence against women, eradicate poverty, and promote the rights of children and persons with disabilities. The Government stated that they have worked in partnership with civil society organisations in the formulation of human rights policies and has protected their right to participate through NGO Act no. 12 of 2010, the result of which is that over 3800 nongovernmental organizations freely operate in Iraq at present. 750. The delegation stressed its ongoing efforts to strengthen the effectiveness and independence of its judiciary, in respect of the separation of powers. The Iraqi judiciary is currently investigating and prosecuting crimes committed by the Islamic State in Iraq and the Levant against all components of the Iraqi population. Iraq collaborated with several countries to train its judges and prosecutors and provided training to law-enforcement officials in collaboration with allied countries, or through OHCHR. 751. The delegation said that Iraq has been witnessing demonstrations by its citizens who have been exercising their constitutional right to express their legitimate demands for the Government to provide services and fight corruption, and express their dissatisfaction with some of the policies taken by successive Iraqi governments. 752. The delegation expressed its deep regret and sorrow for the victims among its Iraqi people, who carry the legacy of a great history and civilization. In order to respond to the public’s demand, the Government stated having investigated allegations of violence in order to hold those responsible to account, submitted a new draft election law that aims to meet the aspirations of the demonstrators, and restructured the work of the Electoral Commission to ensure its independence. Despite this, and the passing of economic and social reform packages to ensure that citizens enjoy their rights, the Government submitted its resignation on the 30 November 2019. 753. The delegation stated that Iraq, which has suffered decades of dictatorship and oppression, is undergoing democratic transformation and institution building, including on elections and peaceful transition of power, and is committed to respect its constitutional obligations as well as its international obligations in the field of human rights. The President of Iraq had once again been conducting days of consultations to appoint an independent and acceptable national figure to form a new government whose core programme would be to hold early elections and initiate a process of institutional reforms. 754. Iraq renewed its commitment to work with the international human rights mechanisms and declared it will voluntarily submit a mid-term report on the universal periodic review. 755. In conclusion, the Government realized there was still much to do in order to improve and guarantee the human rights of its citizens. It recognized that these rights are already integrated in its Constitution and are legislated in many of its laws. Nonetheless, the subject of human rights remained among highest priorities, concerning both domestic and foreign 118