A/HRC/27/5 lack of implementation of the Government’s commitment made during the first UPR to abolish the death penalty. 116. Luxembourg welcomed measures to end the recruitment and use of child soldiers and the establishment of the NHRC, and encouraged targeted and sustainable action in those areas. It remained concerned by sexual violence and ongoing impunity. 117. Madagascar encouraged continued efforts to eradicate sexual violence. It urged the Democratic Republic of the Congo to ratify the international treaties recommended during the first UPR. 118. Malaysia recognized the numerous challenges hindering the advancement of human rights due to the armed conflict, but encouraged the Government to continue efforts to improve the situation. 119. Mali welcomed initiatives to protect children and promote gender equality. It encouraged the Government to step up efforts to promote and protect the rights of all persons living in the country. 120. Mauritania noted the accession to the Treaty on the Harmonization of Business Law in Africa, the Optional Protocol to the Convention against Torture and other Cruel, Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment, the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities and its Optional Protocol. 121. Mauritius commended the strengthening of the legislative and institutional framework for human rights and measures taken to step up efforts to combat sexual and gender-based violence and to protect women and children from violence. 122. Mexico was concerned by the significant number of children stigmatized for witchcraft. It urged the State under review to take steps to raise public awareness of the Convention on the Rights of the Child and to eliminate this scourge. 123. Montenegro commended efforts to address violence against women, including adopting a national strategy and establishing a national agency. It asked whether additional steps would be taken to address sexual violence and assist victims. 124. Morocco supported the political reforms by the State under review and its ongoing efforts to ensure human rights, despite constraints. It welcomed action taken in the areas of freedom of expression and information and education. 125. Mozambique commended steps taken to combat sexual violence, but was concerned that efforts had not reached all parts of the country. It encouraged the implementation of the remaining recommendations of the first UPR cycle. 126. Rwanda appreciated that the report had been prepared with the full participation of civil society. It welcomed ongoing efforts to promote and protect human rights, as reflected in the adoption of new legislation. 127. Switzerland was concerned by the lack of progress in combating sexual violence and violence against human rights defenders, and by widespread corruption and impunity within the judiciary. It stressed the importance of cooperation with the International Criminal Court. 128. Romania acknowledged developments since the last UPR, but remained concerned by the lack of progress in key human rights. It hoped to see further sustained efforts to promote and protect all fundamental rights and freedoms. 129. Returning to the issue of sexual violence, the delegation of the Democratic Republic of the Congo stressed that the country’s national statistics showed that 40,000 women had been raped in the country, and not the 400,000 mentioned by some delegations. 12 GE.14-07547