A/HRC/26/4 under the Convention against Torture and Other Cruel, Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment (CAT) was being prepared and would be submitted in September 2014. 24. Afghanistan still faced a number of challenges, relating to terrorism, extremism, narcotics and insecurity in some parts of the country, that had slowed progress in the area of human rights and the implementation of transitional justice. 25. Poverty and corruption had made it difficult to tackle those challenges. The scarcity of resources to finance a nationwide welfare programme was another challenge. 26. Afghanistan was a war-torn country that had achieved enormous gains and successes in the previous 12 years in various areas, including human rights; those achievements had been won in the face of exceptionally tough conditions and ongoing challenges. 27. Afghanistan was strongly determined to take effective measures to strengthen its capabilities, in collaboration with the international community. 28. The head of the delegation concluded his introductory remarks by stating that the implementation of programmes and reforms aimed at promoting and protecting human rights in Afghanistan required the cooperation and participation of all governmental bodies and civil society, as well as direct cooperation and support from the international community, in particular international organizations active in the area of human rights. He expressed hope that Afghanistan would gradually witness greater improvements in human rights. B. Interactive dialogue and responses by the State under review 29. During the interactive dialogue, 88 delegations made statements. Recommendations made during the dialogue are to be found in section II below. 30. Azerbaijan commended the measures taken in the areas of health care, poverty reduction and child trafficking and action to improve the social, economic and educational status of internally displaced persons (IDPs) and refugees. 31. Bangladesh noted the new legislation and measures concerning violence against women; the rights of persons with disabilities, children and women; gender equality; access to health care; and poverty reduction. 32. Belgium welcomed the progress made since the first UPR cycle. 33. Sri Lanka welcomed the progress made in combating terrorism and insecurity. 34. Morocco welcomed the adoption of several national plans of action. 35. Brazil noted the improvements in school and university enrolment. 36. Canada enquired about measures to ensure the implementation of the Elimination of Violence against Women Law. 37. Chile recognized the efforts made by Afghanistan to advance human rights. 38. China welcomed the State’s efforts to strengthen human rights mechanisms. 39. Comoros noted that the State’s achievements were particularly impressive, given its situation of quasi-civil war. 40. Croatia enquired about measures to prevent girls from being charged with “running away”/“moral crimes”. 6