A/HRC/24/4 40. Argentina welcomed the creation of the Ministry of Human Rights and the Promotion of Civic Responsibility and the National Human Rights Commission. Argentina made recommendations. 41. Armenia noted the creation of the Ministry of Human Rights and the Promotion of Civic Responsibility and other initiatives. It recognized increased literacy and free obligatory primary education. Violence and discrimination against women was of concern. Armenia made recommendations. 42. Australia welcomed the role of Burkina Faso as the chief peace negotiator for many of the conflicts in the region. It commended Burkina Faso for investigating election-related violence. Australia also expressed concern by reports of a lack of due process and allegations of arbitrary arrests, torture and ill-treatment by the security forces. Trafficking and exploitation of women and children remained a concern. Australia made recommendations. 43. Austria acknowledged the creation of the Ministry of Human Rights and the Promotion of Civic Responsibility and the ratification of the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities. It was concerned about child labour in agriculture and gold mining and poor judicial process. It enquired about what was being done to protect women from discrimination. Austria made recommendations. 44. Azerbaijan welcomed political reforms and accession to human rights instruments, including establishing the National Human Rights Commission and the Ministry of Human Rights and the Promotion of Civic Responsibility. Azerbaijan made a recommendation. 45. Bangladesh acknowledged ratification of the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities and adoption of the National Health Development Plan 2011–2020. It noted concerns about the situation of women, child mortality and education, as well as the need for a related comprehensive strategy and better gender equality. 46. Belarus welcomed the ratification of international instruments, the focus on combating trafficking and efforts to eradicate challenges to human rights. Belarus made recommendations. 47. Belgium welcomed improved women’s and children’s rights, the creation of the National Council for the Advancement of Women and a national action plan on child trafficking and abuse, and asked about specific measures in place. Existing instruments against violence should be implemented. The death penalty remained. Belgium made recommendations. 48. Benin acknowledged the ratification of the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities and the African Charter on Democracy, Elections and Governance. Burkina Faso played a key role in democracy. It welcomed improved capacity, job creation and the national microfinancing strategy. The death penalty should be abolished. 49. Botswana commended Burkina Faso for the implementation of recommendations, and the creation of regional directorates and counselling and documentation centres. It welcomed the national policy on human rights, the job creation programme and the national health policy. It asked about measures taken with regard to female genital mutilation (FGM), social exclusion and women’s land rights. Botswana made a recommendation. 50. Brazil welcomed the creation of the National Committee to Combat Female Circumcision and steps to abolish the death penalty. It expressed concern regarding discrimination of women and child labour. Brazil made recommendations. 51. Burundi commended the implementation of past recommendations, the creation of a Ministry for Human Rights and the Promotion of Civic Responsibility, the adoption of a GE.13-15534 7