A/HRC/28/12 B. Interactive dialogue and responses by the State under review 16. During the interactive dialogue, 104 delegations made statements. Recommendations made during the dialogue can be found in section II of the present report. 17. South Africa commended the advancement of socioeconomic rights, particularly in the fields of education and health. 18. Spain noted the continued use of cruel punishments such as flagellation, amputation and stoning. 19. Thailand welcomed progress in protecting the rights of vulnerable groups, especially women and children. 20. Egypt welcomed the establishment of the office of Vice-President for Women and Family Affairs. 21. The Sudan commended progress in the areas of education and protection of women’s and children’s rights. 22. Sweden welcomed the President’s commitment to reduce media censorship and promote a less security-oriented atmosphere. 23. Switzerland deplored the increasing number of death penalty cases and emphasized the Government’s responsibility to prevent executions. 24. The Syrian Arab Republic cautioned against basing human rights reviews on confrontation, politicization and double standards. 25. Tajikistan commended the steps taken to combat terrorism and drug trafficking. 26. Sri Lanka stated that the use of unilateral sanctions to impose policy change hindered the enjoyment of human rights. 27. The former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia urged the Iranian authorities to release all political prisoners unconditionally. 28. Tunisia encouraged the Islamic Republic of Iran to expedite the drafting of the Charter of Citizens’ Rights. 29. Turkmenistan commended the improvement in children’s nutrition and the expansion of health services in rural areas. 30. The United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland expressed concern about the death penalty, discrimination against minority religious groups and prison conditions. 31. The United States of America expressed concern about harassment of religious minorities and the detention of journalists. 32. Uruguay asked whether the CRC National Focal Point was mandated to align legislation with the Convention. 33. The Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela stated that unilateral sanctions violated the fundamental rights of the Iranian people. 34. Viet Nam welcomed the adoption of the Fifth National Development Plan and the general health and population policies. 35. Yemen commended the enactment of a number of laws aimed at supporting human rights. 5