A/HRC/13/17 Page 6 B. Interactive dialogue and responses by the State under review 25. During the inter-active dialogue, statements were made by 53 delegations. A number of delegations thanked Ethiopia for its commitment to the universal periodic review process, noted that the national report was prepared with the contributions of civil society organisations, and commended Ethiopia for being a State party to most core international human right treaties and for submitting its reports to a number of treaty bodies. Recommendations made during the interactive dialogue are listed in Chapter II of the present report. 26. Algeria welcomed the adoption of the Plan for Accelerated and Sustained Development to End Poverty and asked whether an evaluation on its impact on the standard of living had been conducted. It appreciated the progress in the area of health care. Noting that malnutrition accounted for 54 per cent of child mortality, Algeria recognized Ethiopia’s important progress to ensuring food security and stated that water scarcity and drought continued to severely affect certain regions of the country. Policies for the realization of the right to education, in particular, basic education, were also noted. 27. Belgium highlighted Ethiopia’s difficulties to ensure food self-sufficiency. Belgium stated the reticence of authorities to ensuring access of the international community to the Ogaden region. United Nations and NGOs being unable to carry out their work properly undermines the distribution of food packages and medication. Belgium asked about programmes for becoming self-sufficient on food production, and if these were subject to an independent evaluation. 28. Turkey appreciated the establishment of the Ethiopian Human Rights Commission (EHRC) and the Mediator’s Office. It welcomed that primary and secondary basic education is free of charge. It congratulated Ethiopia for legislative amendments to reduce gender inequalities, and modifications in family laws that enable women to have equal rights in marriage and custody. It encouraged Ethiopia to continue efforts in the application of CEDAW and asked about the application of the National Action Plan aimed at the re-adaptation of persons with disabilities. 29. Belarus positively valued the efforts in overcoming poverty, hunger and destitution, and noted that the lack of food and medicine are key problems. Belarus expressed its support to Ethiopia’s requests to international organizations for development assistance. It commended Ethiopia for the measures to improve the situation of women, including the possibilities extended to participate in political life, and welcomed the adoption of a National Plan of Action for Children. 30. Egypt commended Ethiopia’s efforts on socio-economic rights, resulting in the increase of enrolment rates in primary education and for the comprehensive human rights education programme. It noted the number of instruments adopted to enable women to enjoy all rights in equal terms with men, such as the National Policy on Women, the National Action Plan on Gender Equality and the Women’s Development Package. It requested information on progress achieved so far. 31. The United Kingdom asked how consultations with civil society will continue in the follow-up to the review and how Ethiopia will ensure that the new Civil Society Organizations Law does not constrain independent human rights organizations. It commended Ethiopia’s priority given to the MDGs, including the progress made in free and universal primary education. It appreciated the continuing development of EHRC and urged Ethiopia to move quickly to appoint a new Chief Commissioner.