A/HRC/37/14 63. Denmark commended Zambia for signing the Optional Protocol to the Convention against Torture and Other Cruel, Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment, but noted that Zambia had not yet ratified it. 64. Djibouti welcomed the inclusive process implemented by Zambia to prepare its national report. It also commended Zambia for the progresses achieved in incorporating several international human rights instruments into its national legal framework. 65. Egypt valued the efforts of Zambia to promote and protect human rights and to implement the recommendations received during its previous universal periodic review. It commended Zambia for undertaking several legislative and policy initiatives and for its cooperation with the Human Rights Council and its mechanisms. 66. Ethiopia commended Zambia for implementing the recommendations it had accepted during the previous review cycles and noted with appreciation the efforts to enhance its Constitutional and legislative framework, in particular by adopting comprehensive legislation aimed at effective and sustainable environmental management. 67. Finland noted the commitment of Zambia to supporting women’s socioeconomic empowerment and the measures it had taken to promote gender equality. It commended Zambia for the launch of the Seventh National Development Plan, which included commitments in the areas of human rights and the rule of law. 68. France welcomed the positive developments in Zambia, notably the inclusion of human rights and the rule of law in the Seventh National Development Plan and the revision of the normative framework on prisons and on political parties. 69. Georgia welcomed the new Constitution of Zambia and its provision on nondiscrimination. It encouraged the Government to accelerate efforts to prevent gender-based violence and sexual abuse. 70. Germany commended Zambia for its cooperation with international human rights mechanisms. It also highly appreciated the commitment of Zambia to alleviating the refugee crisis on the border with the Democratic Republic of the Congo and praised the announced approval of a moratorium on the use of death penalty. 71. Ghana noted with satisfaction the harmonization of Zambian domestic laws with the country’s international human rights obligations. It also welcomed the formulation of the National Gender Policy and the strengthening of the national mechanism for the advancement of women. 72. Guatemala noted the positive work of the National Human Rights Commission, but was concerned at reported restrictions on the rights to freedom of expression and peaceful assembly, including under the law against defamation and the law on public order. 73. Honduras acknowledged the progresses made in terms of legislative and constitutional reform in Zambia. It noted that, despite the fact that the death penalty had been maintained under the new Constitution, Zambia had not carried out any executions over the past 20 years. 74. India commended Zambia for having harmonized its legislative framework with international instruments in the area of gender equality and the rights of persons with disabilities. It also noted the efforts Zambia had made to improve access to integrated health-care services. 75. Indonesia welcomed the formulation of the Seventh National Development Plan (2017–2021) on strategies to strengthen the promotion and protection of human rights. It commended Zambia for establishing the Gender Equity and Equality Commission and enacting the Gender Equity and Equality Act No. 22 of 2015. 76. Iraq welcomed the efforts of Zambia to implement constitutional and legislative amendments aimed at promoting human rights protection in the country and to improve the justice service. It commended Zambia for its successful economic policies. 7