A/HRC/13/17 Page 8 38. The Russian Federation, while noting the serious challenges faced, noted with satisfaction the progress achieved in providing political stability and national unity, strengthening democratic institutions, including the national human rights institutions, and developing education and health. 39. Germany expressed concerns at persisting gender disparity on many levels due to differences in access to control over resources between men and women, women’s limited access to education, and the still limited political representation and decision-making power. Germany asked about further steps envisaged to addressing this issue. 40. The Democratic Republic of the Congo welcomed efforts to inter alia reduce maternal and child mortality by improving access to medical care and to combat unemployment by more job-oriented teaching. It also welcomed the campaign against various prejudices concerning women, and measures to combat practices that keep women in the state of inferiority. It requested explanations about notions of “nations”, “nationalities” and “peoples” in Ethiopia. It also asked Ethiopia to comment on the results for development obtained mid-term regarding the MDGs. 41. Mexico noted difficulties Ethiopia faced and appreciated priority given to ensuring food security. It stressed efforts to prevent trafficking in persons and to prohibit torture in the new criminal code, to eradicate HIV/AIDS, malaria and tuberculosis, and to eliminate harmful traditional practices as female genital mutilations and child marriages. Mexico requested information on international technical assistance required to reduce poverty. 42. The United States was concerned that the recent law classifies NGOs receiving more than ten per cent of their budget from foreign sources as “foreign charities” and prevents them from working on human rights. The United States noted that most senior government institutions are overwhelmingly represented by one ethnicity. It was concerned that Ethiopia has not allowed ICRC to operate in the Ogaden since 2008 and that other organisations have found access limited. The United States welcomed the pre-departure orientation to migrant workers, while expressing concern over the limited capacity to prosecute trafficking crimes. 43. The Czech Republic asked how the implementation of obligations from human rights treaties is ensured in national legislation, including the principle of non-discrimination and the right to privacy. 44. The Netherlands noted several outstanding requests for visits of special procedures mandateholders. It expressed concerns at the restrictive nature and possible negative consequences for the work of NGOs of the Proclamation for the Registration and Regulation of Charities and Societies. It also noted that the Anti-Terrorism Proclamation, particularly the broad definition of terrorism, placing the burden of proof on criminal suspects and high sentences, was a cause of concern. 45. Somalia welcomed the form of federalism of Ethiopia which allows minority groups and the various ethnic groups to exercise their cultural, social and economic rights. It highlighted remarkable achievements in the implementation of social and economic rights through the expansion of health, education and other services. Somalia welcomed the delivery of comprehensive human rights education programmes. 46. Nigeria highlighted the efforts made to broaden the space for freedom of expression by issuing licenses to a number of press outlets. It applauded efforts for establishing the comprehensive human