A/HRC/8/46 Page 15 70. Venezuela noted with appreciation the efforts made to promote and protect human rights and to mitigate poverty levels. Sri Lanka’s national plans to promote social cultural and political rights were highlighted, in particular the right to health and implementation of the national health plan, on which it requested more information. 71. The Republic of Korea welcomed efforts made by the Government to promote and protect human rights, as reflected by the establishment of human rights infrastructure, despite the challenge of armed conflict. It asked about concrete measures taken to prevent the alleged abductions and recruitment of child soldiers. In addition, Sri Lanka was asked about measures taken to address the issues of discrimination against women in employment and occupation in the private sector. Sri Lanka was encouraged to continue close dialogues with the United Nations human rights mechanisms and OHCHR. 72. The United Kingdom condemned all terrorism and noted that counter-terrorism measures must be in accordance with human rights norms. It recommended that Sri Lanka (a) strengthen and ensure the independence of its human rights institutions in accordance with the Paris Principles, including the NHRC. The United Kingdom recognized a decrease in abductions and extrajudicial killings in some areas of Sri Lanka, and a strong, independent system to bring those responsible to justice, protecting against the resurgence of such activities. Sri Lanka was recommended to (b) implement the recommendations made by the Special Rapporteur on extrajudicial, summary or arbitrary executions and take steps to verifiably disarm all paramilitary groups. The United Kingdom also recommended that (c) civil society organizations, including those from multi-ethnic communities and conflict-affected areas in Sri Lanka’s north and east, be involved in the follow-up to the UPR process. 73. Algeria recommended that Sri Lanka further support human rights machinery and capacitybuilding in its national institutions to implement the human rights instruments, and that special attention be given to women in promoting education and development to increase their wages and their representation in politics and public life. It also recommended the continued work with the international community to assist with the protection of human rights, the environment, disaster risk management, HIV/AIDS and capacity-building. 74. Greece raised concern about the ending of the ceasefire agreement and the renewed military campaign and recommended that (a) Sri Lanka accept an independent international human rights mechanism on the ground as soon as possible; Greece also recommended that (b) Sri Lanka issue a standing invitation to all special procedures. It expressed concern about the increased number of reported enforced disappearances and unlawful killings, including of humanitarian workers, and requested more information on measures taken to investigate these cases. It recommended to Sri Lanka (c) to take all necessary measures to end impunity for perpetrators of violations of international human rights law and humanitarian law. 75. The United States of America noted Sri Lanka’s struggle against terrorism and recommended the following: (a) re-engage with international human rights monitoring and assistance mechanisms by agreeing to establish an OHCHR field presence, whose mandate would allow unfettered access to monitor, investigate and report human rights violations and promote remedial measures, including criminal investigation, prosecution and capacity-building of domestic human rights mechanisms; (b) ensure the adequate completion of investigations into the killings of aid workers, including by encouraging the Presidential Commission of Inquiry to use its legal powers to their full extent; (c) demobilize child soldiers by assuring children serving with progovernment militias (forced or voluntary) are released and adequate resources allocated for disarmament, demobilization, reintegration, repatriation and other activities to halt the unlawful