A/HRC/24/4 Rights and the Promotion of Civic Responsibility and the National Human Rights Commission, complemented by public policies dedicated to improved living conditions. It made recommendations. 119. Sierra Leone noted that emphasis should be concentrated on four main fronts: intensifying public awareness programmes on human rights; enforcing laws that addressed harmful traditional practices; translating laws and policies into strategies and action plans; and the exchange of experiences within the West African region. 120. Singapore noted the efforts to promote gender equality and empowerment of women and the adoption of legislation to protect women’s right to land ownership and electoral participation. Burkina Faso has implemented measures to combat trafficking in persons, especially children. It made recommendations. 121. Slovakia recognized Burkina Faso’s ratification of international human rights instruments, including the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities, the Optional Protocol to the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities, the International Convention for the Protection of All Persons from Enforced Disappearance, and the Optional Protocol to the Convention against Torture and other Cruel, Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment, and commended its legal and institutional measures on combatting trafficking of persons, gender equality and its zero tolerance for FGM. It made recommendations. 122. Slovenia commended Burkina Faso for its activities towards eliminating FGM and welcomed its efforts to prevent child trafficking and labour. It noted the positive achievements in terms of access to safe drinking water and sanitation. It made recommendations. 123. South Africa noted Burkina Faso’s strengthening of legal frameworks through the ratification of international human rights instruments and its adoption of relevant national legislation, in particular the legislation to bring the National Human Rights Commission in line with the Paris Principles. It made recommendations. 124. Spain welcomed Burkina Faso’s moratorium and intended abolition of the death penalty de jure. It commended the organization of human rights training seminars for members of the security forces, its efforts on women’s rights and gender equality, and its establishment of national councils for women’s advancement and for combatting FGM. It made recommendations. 125. Sri Lanka noted Burkina Faso’s normative developments, including the ratification of the UNESCO Convention against Discrimination in Education, the adoption of various national laws pertaining to human rights and its policies aimed at widespread political, economic and social development. It made recommendations. 126. The State of Palestine appreciated Burkina Faso’s efforts to promote its human rights situation, despite difficulties and constraints. Educational programmes had been adopted. It applauded legislation on children’s and women’s rights, in particular the national action plan on zero tolerance of FGM. It made recommendations. 127. Sudan welcomed the adoption of legislation to combat trafficking in persons and the prioritization of efforts in human rights and announcing commitments for the upcoming period. It made recommendations. 128. Switzerland noted that Burkina Faso has de facto abolished the death penalty. It regretted the lack of legal consequences for violations of children’s rights. Switzerland expressed concern about the working conditions in the gold mines, as well as their social and ecological consequences. It made recommendations. 14 GE.13-15534