A/HRC/42/13 country’s legislation, all public functions in the country had to be approved by the President, which could be a difficulty in the establishment of such an institution. Nevertheless, the issue would be carefully examined. 75. The country will also ratify additional international human rights instruments. However, as was decided by other members of the African Union, Equatorial Guinea would not become a party to the Rome Statute of the International Criminal Court. 76. The rights of migrant workers would be protected and the Government paid particular attention to persons with disabilities and their inclusion in society. 77. Burundi expressed appreciation for the adoption of the National Economic and Social Development Plan for Horizon 2020, whose implementation had already helped raise living standards. It further welcomed measures taken to improve access to free, highquality health care for all. 78. Cabo Verde welcomed the State’s accession to the United Nations Convention against Corruption and measures to improve the status of women and children. It urged the authorities to improve access to employment and revenue for all. 79. Canada commended the Government for the amnesty of July 2018 and the pardon for political prisoners in October 2018. It urged an enlargement of the democratic space, especially for civil society organizations. 80. Chad welcomed the establishment of the National Codification Commission, with a view to initiating legislative reform and ensuring that the country’s legal framework was in conformity with the demands of a modern and effective justice system, and the ratification of international instruments. 81. Chile welcomed efforts by the Directorate-General of Human Rights to increase public officials’ awareness of human rights protection. Chile asked about the process and deadlines for the ratification of the Optional Protocol to the Convention against Torture. 82. China welcomed the National Economic and Social Development Plan for Horizon 2020 and efforts to drive socioeconomic development, eliminate poverty, boost education and health programmes, raise school enrolment and actively prevent and treat malaria and HIV/AIDS. 83. Congo noted the moratorium on the application of death penalty and welcomed the National Economic and Social Development Plan for Horizon 2020, the results of which pointed to an improvement in people’s living standards. 84. Costa Rica was deeply concerned by allegations of the restriction of freedom of expression and freedom of the press, reports of torture, political persecution and arbitrary detention, and the lack of independence of the judiciary. 85. Côte d’Ivoire welcomed the ratification of and accession to certain international instruments, in particular the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change and the United Nations Convention against Corruption, and urged the Government to pursue such efforts. 86. Croatia acknowledged the State’s adherence to several human rights instruments, and efforts made concerning accession to the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities. It expressed concern at the high levels of early marriages and adolescent pregnancies. 87. Cuba expressed appreciation for progress made by Equatorial Guinea in updating legislation in various areas and efforts to reduce poverty and make progress in such fields as health care and education. 88. The Democratic People’s Republic of Korea welcomed the implementation of the National Economic and Social Development Plan for Horizon 2020, the National Multisectoral Plan of Action for the Advancement of Women and Gender Equity and policy measures for the protection of persons with disabilities. 89. Denmark commended the State for the introduction of a moratorium on the death penalty but remained concerned about reports of harassment and intimidation of human 8

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