A/HRC/13/17 Page 11 67. Sweden thanked the delegation for having addressed concerns in relation to the new civil society organisations law, which it noted restricts the ability of human rights organizations and defenders to operate. It expressed concerns on the Anti-Terror Proclamation, as it provides for inter alia a broad definition of terrorism. Sweden noted reports of persons held in custody for up to four months before being brought to court. It hoped efforts to improve respect for human rights will extend to political prisoners, the continued use of the death penalty, and the situation in the Somali region. 68. Nicaragua highlighted the progress made to guarantee most basic rights of its populations such as health, education and housing. It noted that extreme poverty is an obstacle. Nicaragua commended Ethiopia’s holistic vision and noted that its national report reflects important challenges that the State is willing to face in the area of human rights, in particular in the areas of public health, education and culture, environment and State administration. 69. Azerbaijan noted with interest the information on the provision of freedom of thought, conscience and religion as well as an environment of religious tolerance. Azerbaijan noted concerns relating to malnutrition, infections, low levels of access to reproductive health and emergency obstetric services, maternal mortality and morbidity rate, and insufficient resources to address them. It commended the establishment of the Ministry of Women’s Affairs. 70. China welcomed the establishment of the National Human Rights Commission, the National Electoral Board and the Ministry of Women’s Affairs. China mentioned the improved enrolment rate for general education and the rapid development of higher education, and noted that essential primary health care was provided at household level to combat HIV/AIDS. China requested information on new measures for the protection and promotion of the rights of women and on how to combat harmful traditional practices. 71. Cameroon noted with interest the specific measures and provisions undertaken such as on HIV/AIDS, education, promotion and protection of women’s and children’s rights, and managing refugees. It encouraged Ethiopia to intensify measures for the promotion and protection of economic, social and cultural rights, in particular the rights of the child, women, minorities and vulnerable populations, and in combating all forms of discrimination. 72. India appreciated the adoption of the National Plan of Action for Children and the National Action Plan on Gender Equality, the institution of a free anti-retroviral programme, and the launching of the Health Sector Extension Programme. It also noted Ethiopia’s long-lasting record as a host country for refugees from neighbouring countries and urged it to continue cooperation with international mechanisms. India encouraged the international community to extend capacity building and technical assistance to Ethiopia. 73. The Congo noted the legislative measures taken to overcome abuses and violence, such as female genital mutilation, domestic violence, early marriages and child abductions, which demonstrated Ethiopia’s commitment to promote and protect human rights. It appreciated that the application of the death penalty is declining, and called on the international community to provide technical assistance in the areas of maternal and child health and education, to assist Ethiopia with the consequences of flood and drought which regularly affect the country.