A/HRC/28/13 protection of women’s and children’s rights and universal access to education. It made recommendations. 53. Portugal welcomed Madagascar’s standing invitation to special procedures, signature of ICCPR-OP 2, and creation of the Independent National Human Rights Commission. It asked for information regarding increasing violations of children’s rights. Portugal made recommendations. 54. The Russian Federation welcomed the successful presidential elections and the establishment of the government and parliament, concluding the transitional period. It noted positive efforts towards social and economic development, and to improve democracy. It made recommendations. 55. Rwanda commended the steps taken to alleviate poverty, promote gender equality, combat gender-based violence, and combat trafficking in persons, especially children; as well as Madagascar’s signature of ICCPR-OP 2. Rwanda made recommendations. 56. Senegal noted the challenges relating to the eradication of poverty, to the promotion of education and to the enjoyment of some fundamental rights. It noted that Madagascar deserved the support of the international community to improve the human rights situation. Senegal made recommendations. 57. Sierra Leone commended the efforts to restore democracy and provide education and health care. It encouraged Madagascar to end child labour, prosecute all acts of torture, combat trafficking, and promote gender equality and public-sector participation. It made recommendations. 58. Singapore noted the establishment of a unity government and the steps towards national reconciliation. It commended measures to facilitate the re-enrolment of children in school, and to combat gender-based violence. Singapore made recommendations. 59. Slovenia commended the signature of ICCPR-OP 2 and the Optional Protocol to the Convention on the Rights of the Child on a communications procedure. It welcomed efforts towards the inclusion of gender-based violence in the Criminal Code. It expressed concern regarding poor access to clean drinking water and to sanitation. Slovenia made recommendations. 60. South Africa welcomed efforts towards ensuring food security and the right to health, and the implementation of social infrastructure and projects. It encouraged the international community to support Madagascar in its development. It made recommendations. 61. South Sudan commended democratic reform in Madagascar. It noted that despite measures to eradicate poverty, it was increasing, and that further efforts were required. It noted the establishment of a national human rights institution and of measures against human trafficking. It made a recommendation. 62. Spain commended Madagascar’s commitment to human rights, implementation of recommendations made during the first UPR cycle, signature of ICCPR-OP 2, and measures to strengthen education. It expressed concern regarding domestic violence. Spain made recommendations. 63. The Sudan noted the adoption of the Constitution, steps to protect women’s and children’s health, and establishment of the National Child Protection Committee. It also noted the 2013–2015 interim plan for education, to improve access to education. The Sudan made recommendations. 64. Switzerland commended political reform, but expressed concern regarding prison conditions, allegations of torture, and impunity, and also regarding traditional practices that GE.14-24933 9