A/HRC/40/4 37. Croatia welcomed the adoption of Saudi Vision 2030, but regretted that the male guardianship system was still in place and was concerned by the continued practice of imposing the death penalty. It condemned the killing of Jamal Khashoggi. 38. Cuba acknowledged the amendments made to laws and regulations and the efforts made to improve health services, taking into account the principle of equality. 39. Cyprus recognized the reforms provided for in Saudi Vision 2030. It noted that the ban on women drivers had been lifted and commended the plan to further increase women’s participation in the labour market. 40. Czechia commended Saudi Arabia for accepting visits from two Special Rapporteurs in 2017, but noted that there were dozens of pending visit requests. 41. Denmark was extremely concerned about the conditions faced by civil society activists and journalists, particularly in the light of the killing of Jamal Khashoggi. 42. The Saudi delegation pointed out that the charter of the Human Rights Commission had been recently amended to ensure its compatibility with the Paris Principles. It explained the aspects of that compliance and highlighted the jurisdiction and independence of the Commission, emphasizing that it reported directly to the King. 43. Developments had been made in both the public and administrative judiciary. The delegation described the hierarchy, categories and jurisdiction of legal courts in Saudi Arabia and their independence, as well as the legitimacy of criminalization and punishment. It also highlighted the jurisdiction and independence of the Public Prosecution Service and the updated laws and regulations that governed it. 44. The delegation discussed the guarantees of a fair trial, criminal justice, and the rights of the accused during the stages of evidence collection, investigation and trial. 45. All prisons and detention centres, without exception, were subject to control and inspection by several judicial and supervisory bodies, in accordance with the provisions of the relevant laws and regulations. 46. The Crimes of Terrorism and Terrorism Financing Act was in compliance with the international standards for combating terrorism and with international human rights standards. The delegation explained the procedural measures contained in the Act related to arrest, detention and seeking the assistance of a lawyer; the competent court in charge of cases under the Act; crimes and punishments associated with the Act; and how it was used, in conjunction with the Criminal Procedure Act, in the promotion of criminal justice. All laws in Saudi Arabia, including the Crimes of Terrorism and Terrorism Financing Act, were subject to review by the Human Rights Commission and other relevant bodies. 47. The delegation outlined the provisions of the Basic Law of Governance that contributed to the promotion and protection of human rights. All the applicable laws were subject to review on an ongoing basis, in accordance with the international instruments to which Saudi Arabia had become a party. 48. Djibouti welcomed the developments made to the institutional framework in Saudi Arabia, including those relating to the Crimes of Terrorism and Terrorism Financing Act and to combating extremist ideology. 49. Egypt commended Saudi Arabia for its engagement with United Nations human rights mechanisms, and for its establishment of national human rights strategies and a special centre to combat extremism and terrorism. 50. Eritrea noted with satisfaction the adoption of Saudi Vision 2030, which aimed to use resources to build a vibrant society, a strong economy and an ambitious nation. It welcomed the steps taken towards gender equality. 51. Estonia acknowledged that some progress had been made in the field of human rights, including women’s rights, since the previous review cycle. 52. Finland condemned the reprisals made against journalists and human rights defenders, but welcomed the measures taken to promote and protect women’s rights. 5