A/HRC/24/13 29. Canada asked about the status of the legal review process, the progress achieved and plans to improve the right to freedom of assembly. It was concerned about the administrative burden on NGOs and excessive supervision of their activities. 30. Chad applauded the implementation of recommendations accepted during the first cycle of the universal periodic review. It commended Azerbaijan’s accession to several international instruments and the creation of national human rights institutions, which demonstrate Azerbaijan’s commitment to human rights. 31. Chile welcomed the National Action Programme, the adoption of the Law on combating domestic violence, Criminal Code amendments on corruption and the National Action Plan on trafficking. It asked what measures were in place to ensure torture was investigated and punished. 32. China commended the National Action Programme on poverty eradication and the promotion of sustainable development. It noted the legislation on domestic violence, improved maternal and child health, protection of the rights of persons with disabilities and measures to eradicate trafficking of human beings. 33. Costa Rica welcomed the ratification of OP-CAT and the establishment of a preventive mechanism and hoped that this would prevent torture of detained persons. It encouraged continued reform to combat the lack of independence of the judicial system and its susceptibility to political pressure. 34. Cuba noted the efforts to promote and protect women and children’s rights, combat domestic violence, establish gender equality, improve maternal, child and reproductive health and reduce maternal mortality. It acknowledged Azerbaijan’s cooperation with the universal periodic review process. 35. Bulgaria acknowledged Azerbaijan’s prioritization of the promotion and protection of human rights. It welcomed the National Action Programme, accession to OP-CAT and the appointment of a Commissioner on Human Rights as a national preventive mechanism. 36. The Czech Republic welcomed efforts to improve the legal system, as well as the adoption of international treaties, the implementation of which would contribute to the promotion and protection of human rights. 37. Djibouti noted the presentation of the national report and commended Azerbaijan’s efforts to fight poverty and promote human rights. It encouraged Azerbaijan to continue those efforts in order to guarantee a better future for its people. 38. Ecuador noted Azerbaijan’s accession to OP-CAT and the appointment of an Ombudsman as the preventive mechanism. It highlighted the National Action Plans to foster an open government and to combat corruption, which were approved by Presidential Order in September 2012. 39. Egypt welcomed the enactment of laws on domestic violence and detained persons, the strengthening of efforts to combat corruption and Azerbaijan’s accession to international human rights treaties. It noted the judicial reforms and requested information on how these will positively affect access to justice by juveniles and victims of trafficking. 40. France welcomed the ratification of OP-CAT and the appointment of the Ombudsman as the national prevention mechanism. 41. Germany welcomed the ratification of OP-CAT and CRPD. However, it raised concerns about reported restrictions on NGOs and civil society, violations of freedoms and intimidations. It requested information on Azerbaijan’s compromise solution to allow protests in some areas of Baku city and the registration procedure for international NGOs. 7