A/HRC/42/13 demonstration. The Government was open to proposals to review legislation to better fulfil the objectives of those laws. 19. In order to combat trafficking in persons, the Government had decided to give priority to raising awareness of the issue both among society in general and among the bodies responsible for tackling it, particularly the Directorate-General of Human Rights. In cooperation with the Ombudsman’s Office and UNDP, a five-year project on preventing and combating trafficking in persons in Equatorial Guinea had been agreed upon. 20. Regarding the issuing of a standing invitation to the special procedures of the Human Rights Council, the Government did not oppose visits by special procedure mandate holders when requests for such visits were issued appropriately. 21. The legal system of Equatorial Guinea recognized unequivocally the principle of equal rights and non-discrimination based on gender, and the country had ratified the main international human rights instruments on that issue. There was no discrimination between men and women, and article 13 of the Constitution guaranteed that both genders are equal. A bill on gender-based violence, which would address domestic violence and sexual harassment, had been drafted by the Senate and was currently pending. B. Interactive dialogue and responses by the State under review 22. During the interactive dialogue, 82 delegations made statements. Recommendations made during the dialogue are to be found in section II of the present report. 23. Mozambique commended Equatorial Guinea for its adoption of the Better Health for All programme under the National Economic and Social Development Plan for Horizon 2020, and for its accession to the United Nations Convention against Corruption. 24. Myanmar noted the State’s efforts since the previous universal periodic review cycle to improve the quality of life and education and to combat poverty and gender inequality, and commended it for its achievements in increasing primary and secondary school enrolment rates. 25. Namibia congratulated Equatorial Guinea on its national report, on its inclusive approach towards the implementation of accepted recommendations from the previous review, and on its ratification of several international conventions. 26. The Netherlands expressed concern about the lack of progress on legislative reform, particularly regarding the independence of the judiciary, about the delay in the ratification of several international instruments and about limitations on certain fundamental freedoms. 27. Nicaragua recognized the action of the public institutions of the Government, which had led to real improvements in the human rights of the population. 28. Nigeria commended efforts by Equatorial Guinea to strengthen its legal and institutional framework on human rights, including engagement with human rights mechanisms, and its efforts and strategies to combat corruption. 29. Paraguay acknowledged the Government’s willingness to complete investigations of allegations of torture, but it remained concerned about reports of extrajudicial executions despite a moratorium on the application of the death penalty. 30. The Philippines noted measures to enhance social security and health care. It welcomed the openness of Equatorial Guinea in acknowledging challenges regarding gender-based violence and discrimination against women and its commitment to address those issues. 31. Qatar noted the measures taken through the National Economic and Social Development Plan for Horizon 2020 to combat poverty and improve the living standards of the population, especially in education and health. 32. The Republic of Korea commended the State for progress made in translating the concept of gender equality, which was enshrined in the Constitution of 2012, into concrete 4