A/HRC/37/6 83. Togo praised the ratification of the Second Optional Protocol to the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights. It commended the creation of the national health assistance fund that offered mandatory health insurance to all. 84. Tunisia commended the participatory approach — which had included civil society — in preparing the national report. It welcomed the efforts made to implement the recommendations from the last universal periodic review, through the ratification of international instruments and cooperation with the Human Rights Council and its mechanisms. 85. After the presidential elections, a political dialogue had been organized and a new Government subsequently installed. It had taken steps to ensure that persons with disabilities were included in all government bodies, including at the ministerial level, and to provide equal access to public service employment for men, women and young people. 86. An interministerial commission had been established to regularize the civil status of all persons, including indigenous peoples. Birth certificates would be issued to the 15,000 identified individuals, who would see an improvement in their circumstances. 87. Freedom of expression and the freedom of the press were also guaranteed by the Constitution and the Communications Code. 88. With regard to access to medical care, a ministry and a social security system, supported by the mobile emergency medical service, were responsible for providing such access to deprived persons. 89. Turkey commended the ratification of the Second Optional Protocol to the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights and the Optional Protocol to the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities. It welcomed the adoption of a national health policy, as well as of the National Gender Equality and Equity Strategy. It noted with appreciation the national strategies in the area of birth registration to raise awareness of the importance of birth certificates, particularly for children of school age. 90. The United Kingdom deplored the reversal of positive steps previously taken to enable greater space for political debate, by placing restrictive measures on and using excessive force towards those wishing to exercise their right to freedom of expression and peaceful assembly. 91. The United States of America expressed its deep concern over the lack of progress on democratization, referring to the post-election violence on both sides, significant lapses in respect for human rights, including numerous arrests and detentions without due process, and continued restrictions on freedoms of expression and peaceful assembly. 92. Uruguay praised the advances made since the previous review in the areas of trafficking in persons and birth registration. It encouraged further efforts in regard to women’s and children’s rights, particularly in order to eradicate violent and forced marriages. 93. The Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela praised the reform in regard to preventing and combating human trafficking, particularly of children. It welcomed the measures taken to combat poverty. It mentioned the second national health-care promotion plan, which included the establishment of mandatory medical insurance for all. 94. Viet Nam welcomed the strengthening of institutions, the fight against poverty, the professional integration of persons with disabilities, and the launching of the process to develop the Children’s Code. 95. Zambia commended Gabon for the ratification of the Optional Protocol to the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities, the laws against domestic violence and rape, the provisions in the Criminal Code to prevent and combat female genital mutilation, and measures against the trafficking of children. 96. Zimbabwe noted a number of amendments to laws that were aimed at bringing the national legislation into line with several United Nations human rights instruments, which included the Children’s Code. It highlighted the development of a universal national health insurance scheme, the expansion of school infrastructure, social protection measures for the GE.17-23556 9