A/HRC/18/16 32. The United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland urged all parties to draw on the expertise of the Independent Expert on the human rights situation in Sudan. It urged the North and the South to retain human rights protection under the new Constitutions. It asked about Sudan’s actions to investigate allegations of arbitrary arrests and detention of journalists and opposition members. The United Kingdom made recommendations. 33. Zimbabwe thanked the Government for its cooperation with the Human Rights Council and the United Nations system. It appreciated the honouring of the Comprehensive Peace Agreement and the holding of democratic elections as well as the successful conducting of the referendum on the right to self-determination for Southern Sudan. Zimbabwe made recommendations. 34. While noting the Children’s Act (2010) prohibiting death sentences for children, Switzerland referred to reported execution of children. Switzerland referred to reports by the Independent Expert about torture, ill-treatment and arbitrary detention committed by the National Intelligence and Security Service (NISS). Switzerland made recommendations. 35. Saudi Arabia noted that Sudan has ratified most international and regional human rights treaties and transposed many provisions into national legislation. Sudan has also established some human rights institutions and adopted a law on civil society organizations. Highlighting achievements in the area of child rights, Saudi Arabia enquired about measures to implement the Convention on the Rights of the Child. It made recommendations. 36. Malaysia noted the Government’s continued cooperation with human rights actors. Malaysia referred to challenges facing Sudan in improving socio-economic conditions. Malaysia believed Sudan could benefit from improvements to such issues as internally displaced persons, strengthening the rule of the law, combating impunity and the rights of women and children. Malaysia made recommendations. 37. Djibouti noted Sudan’s efforts to improve the human rights situation and welcomed the 2005 Comprehensive Peace Agreement towards sustainable peace, including its provisions for the protection of human rights. Djibouti also welcomed the referendum on Southern Sudan, which will lead to the emergence of a new independent state. Djibouti made recommendations. 38. China welcomed the measures by the Government to promote socio-economic development, its efforts in poverty reduction, health and education and its commitment to protect the rights of vulnerable groups. It welcomed the efforts of the northern and southern parts to promote the peace process. It hoped that the international community will help Sudan to maintain peace and stability and promote and protect human rights. 39. Austria expressed concern about continuing human rights violations in Darfur and the continued use of power and abuses by the NISS. It considered it urgent to address violence against women and ensure equal participation of women in political processes. Austria made recommendations. 40. Canada congratulated Sudan on holding the referendum on Southern Sudan and its commitment to implement the 2005 CPA. It expressed concern about the human rights situation, in particular sexual and gender-based violence, media censorship, as well as the arbitrary arrests of human rights activists, political opponents, journalists and peaceful protesters. Canada made recommendations. 41. Ireland was concerned by the reported targeting of civilians in Darfur and asked whether Sudan would grant UNAMID unhindered access to the area and lift all access restrictions on humanitarian agencies. Ireland expressed concern at reports of arbitrary arrest and detention of journalists, civil society activists and others by the NISS. Ireland made recommendations. 7