A/HRC/21/6 34. The United Arab Emirates commended Bahrain on its efforts to establish the BICI, its cooperation with the different human rights treaty bodies, and the amendments made to the Constitution and to criminal legislation. It commended Bahrain for establishing a system governed by democracy and rule of law. The United Arab Emirates made recommendations. 35. The United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland welcomed promises to implement reforms based on BICI’s recommendations. The United Kingdom was deeply concerned by reports of human rights violations that continue to occur. It counted on the authorities to ensure that convictions in military courts are reviewed and that prisoners detained for exercising their right to freedom of expression are released. It made recommendations. 36. The United States of America commended the establishment of the BICI, but was concerned that several of the Commission’s most important recommendations had not been implemented. It remained concerned by the failure of the State to effectively investigate and prosecute alleged human rights abusers, and by the ongoing prosecution of 20 medical professionals and Abdulhadi Al-Khawaja. It made recommendations. 37. Uruguay hoped that BICI’s recommendations would be implemented and monitored. It also shared concerns expressed by the High Commissioner regarding the human rights situation in relation to the 2011 events and acknowledged Bahrain’s commitment to ratify international instruments. Uruguay made recommendations. 38. Uzbekistan noted with satisfaction the implementation of nine recommendations and 37 voluntary commitments from the first UPR cycle, especially regarding the rights and freedom of women and children. Uzbekistan requested clarifications regarding the affirmation of NGOs that there has been no progress on the prohibition of corporal punishment for children, and additional information on the measures adopted to prohibit all forms of corporal punishment. 39. Yemen commended Bahrain’s commitment to the implementation of the recommendations from the first UPR. The report and the contributions of civil society in the current cycle reflect the collective efforts of the Government to protect and promote human rights. Yemen enquired about the initiatives regarding education opportunities for those concerned. Yemen made one recommendation. 40. Algeria commended Bahrain’s commitment to the recommendations from the first UPR. It welcomed Bahrain’s intention to withdraw its reservation to article 9, paragraph 2, of the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination against Women. Algeria is satisfied with Bahrain’s reasoning not to lift its reservations to article 15, paragraph 4 of the same Convention since it has no relevance, given that freedom of movement is a right governed by the Constitution. Algeria made recommendations. 41. Argentina welcomed the delegation and paid tribute to Bahrain for the creation and implementation of the National Plan of Action related to its commitments under the UPR. It made recommendations. 42. Australia acknowledged Bahrain’s efforts to address reported human rights violations during and following the 2011 unrest, and welcomed the setting up of the BICI and the national Commission to this effect. Australia remained concerned by reports of human rights violations against peaceful protestors, and would like to see prisoners have access to lawyers and trial before civilian courts. Australia made recommendations. 43. Austria commended the appointment of the BICI to investigate human rights violations during the 2011 unrest, and encouraged Bahrain to present the Commission’s findings to the Human Rights Council. Austria remained particularly concerned about 7