A/HRC/37/16 63. The Russian Federation stated that it was deeply concerned at the worsening of the human rights situation in Ukraine, where impunity was flourishing for law enforcement authorities involved in human rights violations. It said that the space for the free expression of views had shrunk catastrophically, and raised concern at the absence of an independent judiciary. 64. Saudi Arabia praised Ukraine for the steps taken to promote and protect human rights. It commended the appointment of the commissioner for the rights of persons with disabilities, and the establishment of the national anti-corruption bureau and the specialized anti-corruption prosecutor’s office. 65. Senegal noted with satisfaction the constitutional amendments allowing the ratification of the Rome Statute. It praised the reform of the national health system and the adoption of the 2012 anti-discrimination law. 66. Sierra Leone noted that, despite the complex challenges faced by Ukraine due to the conflict in the east, the Government had taken various progressive measures. It encouraged the Government to develop strategies to investigate and prosecute cases of sexual violence more effectively. 67. Slovakia commended the efforts made by Ukraine to improve the legislative framework for human rights and welcomed, inter alia, the constitutional amendments adopted, the national human rights strategy and the national plan of action for the implementation of the Convention on the Rights of the Child. 68. Slovenia welcomed steps taken by Ukraine regarding its reform agenda. It noted that, despite the Government’s strengthened efforts, the issue of corruption had yet to be properly addressed. It expressed concern that legislation on combating sexual and domestic violence and on equal rights for women and men had not been fully implemented. 69. Spain noted with satisfaction the signing of the Istanbul Convention. It welcomed, inter alia, the importance given by Ukraine to the women, peace and security agenda, and the adoption in 2016 of the first national plan in that connection. 70. Sweden expressed concern regarding domestic violence and continued sexual violence in the Government-controlled parts of eastern Ukraine, as well as widespread incidents of hate crime and related impunity. It welcomed steps taken to strengthen the rights of lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and intersex persons. 71. Switzerland commended Ukraine for its collaboration with OHCHR and underlined the importance of the implementation of the recommendations it had received, including those relating to Crimea and other territories not under the Government’s control. 72. The Syrian Arab Republic expressed deep concern at human rights violations carried out by Ukrainian armed forces, including the indiscriminate shelling of residential areas, hospitals, schools and other civilian installations, extrajudicial killings, disappearances, and torture in government detention facilities and in areas controlled by loyal militia. 73. Thailand welcomed, inter alia, the strengthening of the ombudsperson’s office in line with the Paris Principles, the justice sector reform, the appointment of the commissioner for the rights of persons with disabilities and the efforts made towards the empowerment of women, while noting that violence against women was prevalent. 74. Turkey welcomed the ratification of, inter alia, the Istanbul Convention, and efforts to implement comprehensive judicial reform and to combat corruption. It highlighted the importance of establishing a legal status for Crimean Tatars. 75. The United Kingdom welcomed the significant progress made by Ukraine on human rights, and expressed concern about the human rights situation in eastern Ukraine and Crimea. 76. The United States commended reform efforts made by Ukraine since 2014, and raised concerns about the human rights situation in Crimea and occupied parts of Donbas; it also raised concerns about the threats posed by Russian influence campaigns, but also about the human rights implications of certain steps taken by Ukraine to counter them. 8