A/HRC/25/6 25. The Government was committed to building a society with equal access to justice for all, irrespective of means, and where all constitutional rights were respected, protected and defended. Through the services of the Legal Aid Council, a number of initiatives had been introduced, including the enactment of the Legal Aid Act 2011 which had broadened the scope of the mandate of the Legal Aid Council, empowering it to utilize paralegals for service delivery at the grass-roots level. The Police Duty-Solicitor Scheme was an example of providing prompt and effective representation to suspects. 26. The press was free, and it was that freedom that enabled the press to criticize government policies without any consequences. The role of the press in national development was recognized, and it was noted that in 2012 the Freedom of Information Act had been passed. 27. Given that Nigeria hosted several multinational corporations, and consistent with its obligations as a responsible member of the international community, Nigeria had not only taken measures to protect business enterprises and their personnel, but had also ensured that they respected human rights in carrying out their operations. In addition, Nigeria, together with other countries, had sponsored the initiative on human rights and transnational corporations and other business enterprises, which had culminated in the adoption of the United Nations Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights. B. Interactive dialogue and responses by the State under review 28. During the interactive dialogue, 94 delegations made statements. Recommendations made during the dialogue are to be found in section II of the present report. 29. Viet Nam commended the human rights infrastructure and specific measures adopted. It noted that challenges remained, and encouraged the international community to provide assistance. It made a recommendation. 30. Yemen noted that Nigeria had ratified several international human rights instruments, such as the Optional Protocol to the Convention against Torture and Other Cruel, Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment (OP-CAT), and praised the progress made by the Government. Yemen made recommendations. 31. Algeria noted Nigeria’s commitment to human rights, demonstrated by its economic plans, and praised the strengthening of democracy. It urged the international community to support Nigeria with technical assistance. Algeria made recommendations. 32. Angola noted the implementation of recommendations made at the first UPR and commended the establishment of bodies concerning torture and women’s economic empowerment. Angola made a recommendation. 33. Argentina commended the ratification of the International Convention for the Protection of All Persons from Enforced Disappearance (CPED), and the measures taken to promote religious harmony and dialogue between religious leaders, and to combat discrimination. Argentina made recommendations. 34. Australia praised the strengthening of the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC). It was concerned by executions that had taken place, reports of extrajudicial killings, and discrimination against minority groups. Australia made recommendations. 35. Austria commended Nigeria’s human rights legislation, but noted challenges in the penitentiary system. It noted concerns surrounding the Anti-Same-Sex Marriage Bill, the death penalty and female genital mutilation (FGM). Austria made recommendations. 6