A/HRC/42/2 481. The World Organization against Torture stated that it was important that the Government undertakes legal investigations and strong measures to follow up on the multiple reports of serious human rights violations throughout the country and undertake human rights-related structural and legislative reforms. 482. The International Service for Human Rights called on the Government to refrain from adopting restrictive laws to limit the work of human rights defenders and close civil society space, notably the bill currently under discussion at the Parliament on the promotion and protection of human rights defenders, and amendments to the 2001 NGO law. 483. The Center for Reproductive Rights, in a joint statement co-sponsored by Rutgers, noted that conflict-related sexual violence remained a concern in the eastern and central Democratic Republic of the Congo, as well as victims’ access to health, including sexual and reproductive health care, information and services, and recommended facilitating access for all women to safe abortion services. 484. Ensemble contre la peine de mort noted that, although the Democratic Republic of the Congo had sustained a de facto moratorium on executions since 2003, death sentences continued to be imposed, with approximately 41 sentences handed down last year. It called upon the Democratic Republic of the Congo to strengthen its efforts towards ending the practice 485. Franciscans International, in a joint statement co-sponsored by Caritas Internationalis and Swiss Catholic Lenten Fund, stated that effective implementation of the revised Mining Code, including on artisanal mining, economic and social benefits for local communities and environmental protection, was fundamental to good governance, and the fight against corruption, tax evasion, and impunity in the mining sector was an urgent necessity. 5. Concluding remarks of the State under review 486. The President stated that, based on the information provided, out of 267 recommendations received, 239 enjoyed the support of the Democratic Republic of the Congo, and 28 are noted. 487. Responding to concerns expressed about women’s access to the highest positions of responsibility in the State apparatus, the head of delegation asserted that the number two of the State is a woman elected as the speaker of the National Assembly. There are also women in the Government of the Democratic Republic of the Congo, who hold the positions of Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of State for Foreign Affairs. Many women are not ready to engage in politics in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. The few who dare to do so have never had any difficulty in putting their candidature forward. Côte d’Ivoire 488. The review of Côte d’Ivoire was held on 7 May 2019 in conformity with all the relevant provisions contained in relevant Human Rights Council resolutions and decisions, and was based on the following documents: (a) The national report submitted by Côte d’Ivoire in accordance with paragraph 15 of the annex to Council resolution 5/1 and paragraph 5 of the annex to Council resolution 16/21 (A/HRC/WG.6/33/CIV/1); (b) The compilation prepared by OHCHR in accordance with paragraph 15 of the annex to Council resolution 5/1 and paragraph 5 of the annex to Council resolution 16/21 (A/HRC/WG.6/33/CIV/2); (c) The summary prepared by OHCHR in accordance with paragraph 15 of the annex to Council resolution 5/1 and paragraph 5 of the annex to Council resolution 16/21 (A/HRC/WG.6/33/CIV/3). 78