A/HRC/27/16 victims, and compensation. Since its inception in 2011, Nicaragua had chaired the Regional Coalition against Trafficking in Central America. 17. The head of delegation concluded by expressing the commitment of Nicaragua to working with United Nations bodies to follow up on the new recommendations it would receive during the second review. B. Interactive dialogue and responses by the State under review 18. During the interactive dialogue, 77 delegations made statements. Recommendations made during the dialogue are to be found in section II of the present report. 19. The United States of America was concerned at, inter alia, the changes to the Constitution and Military Code of Nicaragua, the erosion of freedom of expression and excessive use of force by the police. The United States made recommendations. 20. Uruguay highlighted the accession to the conventions on statelessness, the adoption of the Comprehensive Act against Violence towards Women, the ratification of ILO Convention No. 189 and the increase in women’s participation in politics. Uruguay made recommendations. 21. Uzbekistan commended achievements in reducing poverty and social inequalities. It considered that the rights of women and girls, the health system and awareness-raising for law enforcement officers warranted attention. Uzbekistan made recommendations. 22. The Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela noted the National Human Development Plan, which had reduced poverty and social inequality, and welcomed the likely attainment of the Millennium Development Goals and the World Food Summit target. It made recommendations. 23. Viet Nam noted the commitments and progress made by Nicaragua towards economic growth, poverty reduction, employment, social equality and the improvement of living standards for all Nicaraguans through the restoration of their fundamental rights and freedoms. Viet Nam made recommendations. 24. Afghanistan commended the Nicaraguan policy of promoting the restoration of women’s rights, and the progress made in the education sector. Afghanistan made recommendations. 25. Algeria welcomed the progress made by Nicaragua since the first review in 2009, especially in the reduction of poverty and extreme poverty, improvement of the quality of life, and economic growth. Algeria made recommendations. 26. Honduras commended efforts towards women’s participation; the Equal Rights and Opportunities Act, promoting gender equality; and the Comprehensive Act against Violence towards Women, criminalizing femicide and gender-based violence. Honduras made recommendations. 27. Argentina commended the ratification of the Optional Protocol to the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities and encouraged accession to other instruments. It emphasized efforts to reduce poverty and legislation protecting older persons. It commended the criminalization of femicide. Argentina made recommendations. 28. Australia welcomed steps taken to address high levels of violence against women and girls, but was concerned that they were unable to access sexual and reproductive health services. Australia was also concerned at reports of abuse committed by police officers, including rape and torture. Australia made recommendations. 5