A/HRC/18/16 noted that years of conflict, unfair distribution of resources and economic mismanagement had deteriorated the economic, social and cultural rights of the Sudanese population. Spain made recommendations. 50. India recalled that the CPA had ended one of the longest conflicts in Africa and noted the institutional mechanisms established since then to promote human rights. It considered the independence of Southern Sudan both promising and challenging. It urged Sudan and Southern Sudan to tackle concerns relating to sexual violence and impunity. India made a recommendation. 51. Japan welcomed the establishment of a human rights forum in Southern Sudan. Japan remained concerned over continued civilian casualties and displaced persons in Darfur, as well as widespread impunity and gender-based violence. Strengthening the rule of law in all regions is vital to a successful transition in Sudan. Japan made recommendations. 52. Azerbaijan positively noted the efforts to eliminate poverty and the measures to promote women’s rights, combat violence against women and protect children. Azerbaijan pointed out the constraints and challenges confronting Sudan, especially from the conflict in Darfur, which adversely affected limited resources, the restoration of security, protection of citizens and humanitarian assistance for victims. Azerbaijan made recommendations. 53. Mauritania commended the positive interaction of Sudan with the UPR process, particularly in light of the difficult challenges that Sudan has faced in recent times, including in connection with the referendum on Southern Sudan. Mauritania made recommendations. 54. The Democratic Republic of the Congo noted the efforts relating to human rights, despite the difficult political context, and to gender equality, despite the existing customs. It also welcomed the Zakat system and the Government’s political maturity on Darfur which led to the new situation in Southern Sudan. It made recommendations. 55. Bangladesh considered that peace, security, stability and development are key to ensuring human rights in Sudan and hoped that the international community would support the peace process. It noted efforts by the Government to improve the human rights situation and understood the difficulties it faced, including poverty. Bangladesh made recommendations. 56. Norway commended Sudan and Southern Sudan for their efforts to organize the referendum. It expressed concern about the ongoing conflict in Darfur and called on the Government to commit to lasting peace and justice. It stressed the burden on civilians of the armed clashes in Southern Sudan. Norway made recommendations. 57. Uruguay noted that peace, stability, security, development and the rule of law are necessary elements for the enjoyment of human rights in Sudan, and acknowledged that recent elections did foresee the full participation of women. It remained concerned by sexual violence in the country. Uruguay made recommendations. 58. France noted the new situation emerging from the independence of Southern Sudan and the opportunity to hold a state of emergency. France noted the human rights violations attributed to the National Intelligence and Security Service and inquired whether Sudan intended to decriminalize “indecent and immoral acts” and end child recruitment. France made recommendations. 59. Honduras expressed understanding for the challenges faced by Sudan and noted the progress in its human rights situation. It recognized the reforms undertaken by the Government in the area of human rights. Nevertheless, it was concerned by the situation of girls and women victims of constant abuse. Honduras made recommendations. 9