A/HRC/27/16 57. Indonesia noted the reduction in poverty and malnutrition, and the improvement in health care. It commended the increased school retention rate but believed further progress could be made. Indonesia made recommendations. 58. Ireland commended the Comprehensive Act against Violence towards Women but was concerned about amendments regarding mediation between victims and aggressors. It was also concerned about threats against journalists. Ireland made recommendations. 59. The Islamic Republic of Iran noted the Government’s objectives, including economic growth, poverty reduction and reduced social inequality. It noted prioritization of women and children. The Islamic Republic of Iran made recommendations. 60. Israel was concerned that Nicaragua had nine reports outstanding to various treaty bodies, some of which were six years overdue. Israel made recommendations. 61. Italy recognized progress in reducing poverty and malnutrition, and on women and indigenous peoples’ rights. It noted widespread child labour. It asked about actions addressing prison conditions and detainees’ rights. Italy made recommendations. 62. Answering some of the remarks delivered during the interactive dialogue and to questions sent in advance regarding abortion, the delegation of Nicaragua stated that legislation on the matter had been adopted by a majority vote in the National Assembly and was supported by public opinion. Under a Ministry of Health protocol, health professionals were required to provide medical treatment when the life of the mother was in danger. The national strategy on sexual and reproductive health provided for obstetric services throughout pregnancy and assistance was guaranteed in obstetric emergencies. 63. Nicaragua maintained its position not to ratify the Rome Statute of the International Criminal Court. The Court had not demonstrated sufficient impartiality. Amnesties carried out by Nicaragua had not excluded any type of offence, and crimes falling under the scope of the Court were categorized in the Nicaraguan Criminal Code. 64. A feasibility study was currently being conducted of the Interoceanic Grand Canal project, construction of which would begin in 2015. The Canal would enable Nicaragua to improve the well-being of its population and provide a model of sustainable growth. 65. Human rights violations by police officers were dealt with by the competent courts, and were punished. In addition, the National Police disciplinary regulations had been updated, to better apply and widen the disciplinary system; and internal specialized human rights structures had been strengthened. 66. Human rights training was mandatory for new police and prison officers, and was included in continuing professional development programmes for existing officers. 67. Nicaragua had welcomed a visit from the Subcommittee on Prevention of Torture, to evaluate compliance with human rights obligations. Ratification of the Optional Protocol to the Convention against Torture had led to the creation of the national preventive mechanism against torture, which carried out regular visits to detention centres, holding cells and migrants’ shelters, and submitted reports and recommendations to the competent authorities. 68. Lithuania commended efforts to protect women rights and to reduce gender-based violence. It remained concerned about the restrictions on the enjoyment of freedom of expression, of assembly and of association. Lithuania made recommendations. 69. Luxembourg welcomed the commitment of Nicaragua to improving social services for the poorest, but expressed concern at the persistence of physical and sexual violence against women and girls, despite the efforts undertaken by the authorities. It made recommendations. 8