A/HRC/41/14 103. The Philippines acknowledged the efforts made to raise awareness and advance the protection of women and girls from female genital mutilation and women and children from underage marriage and human trafficking. 104. Portugal expressed hope that the peace agreement with Ethiopia placed human rights at the centre, thereby guaranteeing peace and security. 105. The Republic of Korea remained concerned about reports of human rights violations related to indefinite conscription into the military and the recurring censorship of media. 106. The Russian Federation called on Eritrea to continue to actively work to improve the conditions in the penitentiary system and to revise the legislation on freedom of religion. 107. Rwanda welcomed the recent regional developments, which would positively contribute to the promotion and protection of human rights in Eritrea. 108. Saudi Arabia commended Eritrea for the important steps taken in the field of care and support for persons with disabilities. 109. Senegal welcomed the Joint Declaration of Peace and Friendship between Eritrea and Ethiopia, which had inaugurated a new dynamic of peace, security and development in the Horn of Africa. 110. Serbia commended Eritrea for the efforts made to improve standards of living in the areas of housing, utilities, transportation and communications. 111. Seychelles noted the finalization of the National Policy on Children, the commitment to providing universal primary education and the contribution to the peace process in the Horn of Africa. 112. Singapore acknowledged the efforts made by Eritrea to enhance access to and quality of education and improve the public health system. 113. Slovakia encouraged Eritrea to develop a strategy for the implementation of the National Policy on Children. It expressed concern about indefinite national service. 114. Slovenia was concerned by reports on the prevalence of torture, deplorable conditions in detention centres and restrictions placed on human rights defenders and civil society organizations. 115. South Africa welcomed the 2018 Joint Declaration of Peace and Friendship between Eritrea and Ethiopia and was encouraged by efforts to promote the well-being of children. 116. Spain congratulated Eritrea on its accession to several human rights instruments, its efforts to abolish female genital mutilation and its engagement with the international community. 117. The Sudan commended Eritrea for the peace agreement with Ethiopia as well as the implementation of development plans, programmes and projects. 118. Sweden acknowledged the advancements made on women’s rights and the rights of persons with disabilities. It called for urgent reforms regarding the rule of law and freedom of expression. 119. Switzerland acknowledged the efforts of Eritrea to promote access to education and health services. 120. The Syrian Arab Republic welcomed the efforts made in formulating national strategies and policies in the area of human rights. 121. Togo commended Eritrea for having adopted several programmes, including the comprehensive rural development programme, the coastal development programme and the comprehensive social strategy. 122. Tunisia welcomed legislation and strategies implemented by Eritrea in accordance with recommendations from the previous review cycle, particularly in relation to reducing poverty, promoting women’s rights, protecting children and combating human trafficking. 9