A/HRC/44/11 members of the security forces who committed human rights violations were held to account. 87. France noted the efforts made by Guinea-Bissau to improve the human rights situation but remained concerned about the situation in the country. 88. Gabon welcomed the adoption of legislative texts and the creation of institutions favourable to the improvement of the judicial and penitentiary systems. It also welcomed the training of security agents in human rights and the improvements that had been made to the education system. 89. Georgia commended Guinea-Bissau for the adoption of a law to prohibit and criminalize female genital mutilation throughout the country, the creation of the Office for Gender Equality and the adoption of the national policy and action plan on gender equality. 90. Germany commended the progress of Guinea-Bissau towards gender equality with the adoption of the parity act, but remained concerned about ongoing human rights violations, especially concerning women’s and children’s rights, and the lack of investigations of past human rights violations committed by members of the military. 91. Ghana noted the ratification of the Optional Protocol to the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities and the Convention on Migrant Workers. 92. The Holy See welcomed the efforts made by the national authorities of GuineaBissau to improve social conditions, notwithstanding the previous political and institutional crisis. 93. Honduras congratulated Guinea-Bissau for its progress in the implementation of recommendations received in the previous universal periodic review cycles, in particular, the ratification of the Convention on Migrant Workers. 94. Iceland welcomed the national report of Guinea-Bissau and the steps outlined therein and expressed the hope for their continued implementation. 95. India thanked the delegation for presenting its national report and commended Guinea-Bissau for the progress made since its second universal periodic review. 96. Indonesia took note of the progress made to improve the situation of human rights, in particular through the ratification of international instruments and looked forward to the implementation of the justice sector reform and improvement in the area of public administration. 97. The Islamic Republic of Iran welcomed the recent accessions of Guinea-Bissau to different human rights conventions and the positive developments regarding the availability of safe, potable water and adequate sanitation facilities in the country, as well as considerable progress in the health sector. 98. Iraq welcomed the efforts of Guinea-Bissau to implement the recommendations that had been accepted during the previous cycle, as well as its efforts in preparing legislative provisions aimed at improving the promotion and protection of human rights. 99. Ireland welcomed the ratification of international treaties including the Arms Trade Treaty and the Paris Agreement on climate change in 2018. Ireland took note of the progress made on gender parity in the Government. 100. Israel congratulated Guinea-Bissau for the democratic and peaceful transition taking place in the country. Israel noted the implementation of the Terra Ranka Strategic Plan (2015–2025) and the development of key programmes on inclusive education and reproductive health. 101. Italy expressed appreciation for the Government’s commitment to promoting gender equality in public life, to combating violence against women, including through the law on domestic violence, and to implementing the Code of Conduct against Sexual Exploitation in Tourism. 9