A/HRC/24/13 17. Uruguay emphasized the National Action Programme on human rights and freedoms, accession to OP-CAT, and the work of the Commissioner on Human Rights. It commended progress made under strategies on eradication of poverty and social policies. 18. Australia welcomed new laws on education, domestic violence and detainees’ rights, and recognized steps to implement the legislative framework against corruption and organized crime. It encouraged continued cooperation with international and European bodies. It expressed concern at reports of intimidation of civil society organizations. 19. Austria welcomed accession to OP-CAT and CRPD. It was concerned about restrictions on freedoms of expression, information and assembly, noting higher penalties for organizers and participants in “unauthorized” gatherings. It commended the legislative framework against corruption and related national institutions. 20. Bahrain commended the National Action Plans towards judicial reform, increasing the capacity of the judicial system, combating corruption and providing guarantees in detention centres. It noted the adoption of anti-corruption measures. 21. Bangladesh noted the ratification of CRPD and stated that the use of a National Action Programme to implement recommendations from the first cycle of the universal periodic review indicated Azerbaijan’s ongoing commitment to working towards the implementation of recommendations that it accepted during the first cycle. It noted the many challenges that are common to developing countries. 22. Belarus commended the National Action Programme and Azerbaijan’s cooperation with international mechanisms, including regular reporting to treaty bodies and accepting visits from the special procedures mandate holders. It welcomed the legislative and judicial reforms and efforts to combat corruption. 23. Belgium welcomed the ratification of OP-CAT and CRPD. It asked when the draft law on the decriminalization of defamation would be adopted, and what measures were being taken to fully implement the law to combat against impunity in detention centres, bearing in mind the limited number of lawyers in the country. 24. Brazil noted the adoption of the National Action Programme and laws on education and combating domestic violence. It welcomed the efforts to combat human trafficking, and asked about the implementation of programmes for social rehabilitation of low-income families. 25. Brunei Darussalam welcomed the adoption of legislation to protect the rights of children. It noted the measures taken towards attaining Millennium Development Goals 4 and 5 to reduce child mortality and improve maternal health. 26. Cyprus, expressed concern about reports of deterioration of human rights and called for steps to improve the freedoms of assembly, association, opinion and expression, particularly for journalists and other media. It commended Azerbaijan’s accession to international human rights instruments. 27. Burundi noted that human rights were a priority and welcomed the adoption of legislation on education, domestic violence, rights and freedoms of detained persons, legal measures to promote gender equality, as well as efforts to reduce maternal mortality. 28. Cambodia welcomed the implementation of the National Action Programme and adoption of national laws to enhance human rights, as well as Azerbaijan’s accession to international and regional treaties on cultural expression, trafficking and gender equality in employment. 6