A/HRC/31/8 110. Cuba acknowledged the progress made in the area of human rights, such as the establishment of the Gender Monitoring Office and the National Council of Persons with Disabilities. 111. Cyprus welcomed the increased funding of the National Commission for Human Rights and the enhancement of the Office of the Ombudsman. It encouraged Rwanda to adopt similar measures for the Gender Monitoring Office. 112. The Czech Republic welcomed the recent ratification of the Optional Protocol to the Convention against Torture. 113. Denmark commended Rwanda for its constructive engagement with the universal periodic review process. It congratulated the Government for honouring its commitment made during the first cycle to ratify the Optional Protocol to the Convention against Torture. 114. Djibouti welcomed progress in the implementation of recommendations from the first cycle. It encouraged the authorities to mobilize in favour of the promotion and protection of the rights of children. 115. Egypt noted efforts to improve human rights, reflected in the implementation of 63 out of the 67 recommendations that had been accepted. It commended reforms to legislation on human rights. 116. Estonia noted positive action relating to women’s rights, including the one-stop centres for gender-based violence. It encouraged Rwanda to continue to pursue the effective implementation of gender equality legislation. 117. Ethiopia noted with appreciation the cooperation of Rwanda with the United Nations human rights system, improvements in access to justice and the rule of law, and implementation of the right to education. 118. France welcomed positive measures taken by Rwanda since its previous review, particularly initiatives in favour of gender equality and the recent ratification of the Optional Protocol to the Convention against Torture. 119. Gabon welcomed the review of the genocide ideology law and laws on access to justice. It encouraged Rwanda to continue its efforts for the promotion and protection of human rights. 120. Georgia welcomed the standing invitation issued to special procedures and legislative reforms concerning the rights to information and freedom of expression and association. It commended the Government for building new prisons. 121. Germany welcomed the establishment of the commission for self-regulation of the media but was concerned that no final version of the Prime Minister’s order on its competencies had been circulated. 122. Ghana noted with appreciation the adoption of various pieces of legislation and policies aimed at promoting freedom of speech, association and the media, as well as the protection of human rights defenders. 123. Greece congratulated Rwanda for the development of a policy on justice for children which promoted the best interests of the child first and the participation of children in all legal procedures. 124. Guatemala recognized the progress made in the promotion of human rights, exemplified by the improvement of the law on the rights and protection of children. 125. 12 Haiti warmly welcomed the Rwandan delegation to the universal periodic review.