A/HRC/42/13 legal initiatives such as the pending bill on the protection framework for gender-based violence. 33. The Russian Federation welcomed the efforts of Equatorial Guinea to implement the recommendations stemming from the second cycle of the universal periodic review, but noted that the human rights situation remained challenging. 34. Rwanda welcomed positive steps taken to implement the recommendations from the previous cycle and commended Equatorial Guinea for its efforts to improve the socioeconomic status of its citizens and to address inequality. 35. Senegal welcomed the adoption and implementation of the National Economic and Social Development Plan for Horizon 2020, specifically the strengthening of public finances and monitoring systems as part of that plan. 36. Serbia commended the State for the organization by the Directorate-General of Human Rights, in partnership with non-governmental organizations (NGOs), of workshops on regional and international human rights instruments and mechanisms, which should facilitate the implementation of recommendations received from the United Nations. 37. Sierra Leone noted that despite the country’s delay in ratifying the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities, it was taking steps to improve the living conditions of persons with disabilities. It commended the State for the adoption of the National Economic and Social Development Plan for Horizon 2020. 38. Slovenia expressed appreciation for the efforts made to empower women and girls and to protect and promote the rights of the child, while expressing concern about restrictions on fundamental freedoms, especially affecting human rights defenders and journalists. 39. South Africa welcomed the ratification by Equatorial Guinea of international human rights instruments. 40. Spain praised the measures adopted since the previous review cycle and thanked the delegation for the responses that it had given to its advance questions. 41. The Sudan welcomed the efforts made to promote and protect human rights and the implementation of several recommendations from the previous review cycle. It praised the State on the national plan to combat poverty and the programmes launched to reach economic targets. 42. While expressing its general concern about the human rights situation in the country, Switzerland took note of the moratorium on the implementation of death penalty and encouraged Equatorial Guinea to ratify the Second Optional Protocol to the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, aiming at the abolition of the death penalty. 43. Timor-Leste commended the State for the establishment of the National Codification Commission, whose role was to initiate legislative reform. It noted a set of strategies to eradicate gender-based disparities and prevent violence against women. It encouraged the adoption of the draft personal and family code. 44. Togo welcomed efforts to increase the well-being of the most marginalized groups, including older persons, women, children and persons with disabilities. It acknowledged the moratorium on death penalty, which had been in place since 2014, and the construction of modern prisons, which would improve conditions of detention. 45. Tunisia praised the State for its ratification of several international conventions and for the moratorium on the implementation of the death penalty. It noted the national plan to combat poverty, which would guarantee sustainable development. 46. Turkey noted that Equatorial Guinea had one of the highest national incomes per capita in Africa and encouraged the strengthening of the rule of law in line with its economic wealth. Turkey commended the State for its accession to the United Nations Convention against Corruption. 5