A/HRC/13/56 755. Morocco welcomed Ethiopia’s openness throughout the process and its acceptance of a large number of recommendations, including with regard to the signing and ratification of a number of international human rights treaties. It expressed satisfaction at Ethiopia’s long-standing positive approach to promoting the principles of tolerance, coexistence and respect for religious freedom and cultural diversity. Morocco welcomed Ethiopia’s intention to elaborate a national plan of action for the promotion and realization of human rights, including through the implementation of the universal periodic review outcome. 756. Italy welcomed Ethiopia’s acceptance of most recommendations, and had noted the explanations given. It recalled that it was in the interest of States under review to provide a clear status of recommendations accepted and not accepted, since this was also necessary for a meaningful follow-up. Italy hoped that Ethiopia would reconsider its position on the death penalty and encouraged it to apply a legal moratorium with a view to its abolition. Italy also looked forward to a more positive working environment for civil society and nongovernmental organizations. 757. Saudi Arabia noted that Ethiopia had demonstrated its commitment to human rights by accepting most recommendations and by cooperating with all mechanisms and procedures of the United Nations human rights system. Ethiopia’s commitment was also shown by its willingness to continue international cooperation and constructive dialogue. 758. Botswana stated that Ethiopia’s commitment to meet its human rights obligations was evident from the constructive engagement during the review, the information provided and the many recommendations accepted. Ethiopia had clearly acknowledged the challenges and accepted all recommendations relating to collaboration with relevant institutions to continue endeavours in the promotion and protection of human rights. 759. Cameroon welcomed Ethiopia’s efforts, particularly those to combat all forms of discrimination through legislative amendments aimed at reducing gender inequality, including amendments to the family law enabling women to enjoy the same rights as men in marriage and child custody matters. Cameroon welcomed Ethiopia’s acceptance of recommendations, many of which were already being implemented. Cameroon called on the Council and the international community to work towards increasing technical assistance to strengthen human rights protection in Ethiopia. 760. The Russian Federation expressed its satisfaction at the comprehensive presentation and the detailed comments on the recommendations. It welcomed the constructive approach of the delegation during the consideration of the report by the Working Group and at the present session. It highlighted the high quality of the national report submitted, in which Ethiopia had approached all issues covered by the review with great sincerity. 3. General comments made by other relevant stakeholders 761. Human Rights Watch expressed disappointment at Ethiopia’s rejection of important recommendations. The environment for independent voices, such as those of human rights defenders, had dramatically worsened, and reversing this trend should be a major priority throughout the implementation of the universal periodic review outcome. It urged Ethiopia to amend the charities and societies proclamation, which violated the Constitution and had resulted in broader governmental hostility towards independent civil society. It called for the immediate and unconditional release of political opposition members. The security forces continued to commit serious abuses, and it therefore called for an investigation by United Nations special procedures and other independent investigators. 762. The Cairo Institute for Human Rights Studies stated that the Government was failing to protect the rights of human rights defenders, and that intimidation of defenders was widespread. The proclamation on charities and societies was restrictive and already had a significant impact on the ground, and the anti-terrorism proclamation contained a very 192