A/HRC/28/14 52. Oman noted Iraqi security challenges which undermine the enjoyment of human rights. Nevertheless, Iraq made progress by acceding to a number of human rights instruments and the adoption of legislation and strategies. 53. Pakistan, noting the severe security challenges faced by Iraq, welcomed accession to several international human rights instruments and the adoption of the strategy to combat violence against women to help eliminate discrimination against women. 54. Paraguay, concerned by the situation of religious minorities, asked whether Iraq had considered removing information on religion from identity documents. 55. The Philippines took note of the National Human Rights Plan and the National Strategy to Combat Violence against Women and asked for details of their implementation. 56. Poland noted the grave human rights situation in Iraq and welcomed its efforts to address serious challenges, such as the persecution of minorities by ISIL and other terrorist groups, and highlighted the importance of protecting children. 57. Portugal was concerned by rights violations suffered by Iraqi women and the use of the death penalty. It welcomed the plan to implement Security Council resolution 1325 and withdrawal of a reservation to CEDAW. 58. The Republic of Korea was concerned that the rule of law had not yet taken root in Iraq, impeding effective implementation of human rights policies and legislation, and at the suffering of IDPs as ISIL gained strength across the country. 59. Romania commended Iraqi ratification of various human rights conventions and its invitation to Human Rights Council special procedures, and encouraged it to continue advancing the human rights agenda. 60. The Russian Federation welcomed efforts for inter-ethnic and interreligious dialogue and expressed concern about grave violations of human rights and international humanitarian law in connection with ISIL. 61. Senegal urged the international community and all United Nations agencies to support Iraq and encouraged the Iraqi people to unite in order to bring an end to violence. 62. Serbia encouraged Iraq to protect IDPs and work towards national reconciliation in the fight against terrorism and urged ratifying OP-CAT and OP-CEDAW. 63. Sierra Leone was concerned by the internal conflict in Iraq. It commended efforts to provide social services and urged Iraq to undertake reforms eliminating discrimination. 64. Singapore strongly condemned the actions of ISIS. Singapore hoped that the new cabinet would bring long-term stability and security to Iraq and noted its progress regarding women’s welfare and equality and actions combating gender violence. 65. Slovakia noted the ratification of several treaties and was seriously concerned by the deteriorating human rights in areas seized by IS militants, particularly the harsh persecution of religious minorities. 66. Slovenia encouraged Iraq to continue with national reconciliation as a prerequisite for maintaining Iraqi sovereignty and territorial integrity and noted the absence of progress in abolishing the death penalty. 67. Spain reiterated its support to Iraq and its reform process. It commended Iraqi ratification of CAT and was concerned by the recent increase in executions. 68. Sri Lanka noted Iraqi efforts to guarantee economic, social and cultural rights despite the challenges caused by the security situation. It welcomed the adoption of the National Strategy to Combat Terrorism which gave priority to human rights considerations. 8