A/HRC/21/5 20. Singapore commended strides made to enhance the rule of law and respect of human rights, particularly the drafting of new legislation ensuring the independence of the judicial system, the establishment of the Ministry of Human Rights and Transitional Justice and the reform of its security system. Singapore acknowledged efforts made to reform its education system, to incorporate human rights education and the progress made on child protection. Singapore made recommendations. 21. Slovakia recognized the achievements made regarding human rights. Slovakia was pleased to be able to contribute to the efforts to promote democracy and the strengthening of the civil society in Tunisia. Slovakia offered to share its transformation experiences in the areas prioritized by Tunisia. Slovakia made recommendations. 22. Slovenia commended Tunisia’s progress on human rights since the first periodic review especially in light of the turbulent democratic changes. Slovenia welcomed Tunisia’s ratification and compliance with all international human rights instruments as recommended in the first cycle of UPR. Slovenia expressed appreciation for positive measures taken on women’s rights and gender equality and the withdrawal of reservations to CEDAW. Slovenia made recommendations. 23. South Africa welcomed the many initiatives undertaken by Tunisia to ensure compliance with human rights obligations, including new laws to address both institutional and administrative challenges. South Africa commended Tunisia’s amendments to its national criminal law provisions bringing them in line with the Convention Against Torture. It congratulated Tunisia on initiatives to ensure gender equality, freedom of expression, the eradication of poverty and the withdrawal of reservations to CEDAW. 24. Spain commended Tunisia’s progress in human rights. It welcomed the adoption of positive, significant measures such as accession to the Rome Statute of the International Criminal Court (ICC), ratification of the Convention for the Protection of All Persons against Enforced Disappearance (CPED) and the withdrawal of many reservations to CEDAW. Spain made recommendations. 25. Sudan recognized the people of Tunisia as pioneers inspiring the Arab Spring revolutions, which led to overturning the worst dictators in the region. Sudan congratulated Tunisia on the adoption of a mechanism for transitional justice. Sudan made recommendations. 26. Sweden welcomed the new law on torture enacted in 2011 but voiced concern over its statute of limitations of 15 years, which is contrary to international human rights. Sweden noted that a number of recent peaceful demonstrations had been attacked or threatened by groups opposing their views without the intervention of law enforcement officials to protect protestor’s legal rights. Sweden made recommendations. 27. Switzerland congratulated Tunisia on its clear desire to complete the democratic transition process. It was delighted that Tunisia had been able to overcome a period marked by major violations of human rights. Switzerland made recommendations. 28. Thailand was pleased to learn that Tunisia had implemented the accepted recommendations from the first UPR such as the ratification of key international human rights instruments. Thailand shared concerns on the challenges related to the promotion of economic, social and cultural rights, and offered assistance through its own experience in these areas. It encouraged Tunisia to promote and protect the rights of vulnerable groups. Thailand made recommendations. 29. Togo congratulated Tunisia on its move towards democracy and noted with satisfaction the many reformed or promulgated laws, particularly the law on associations and political parties and their financing as well as the law regulating press and the media. 6