A/HRC/24/6 65. Costa Rica acknowledged efforts made by Colombia to guarantee human rights. It referred to the continuing practice of sexual violence as a war tactic and expressed concern about recurrent attacks against human rights defenders, indigenous and community leaders and lawyers. Costa Rica made recommendations. 66. The Philippines congratulated Colombia for its successful social programmes to reduce poverty, for the universal coverage of basic and secondary education and for its unified health care system. It welcomed the country’s determined efforts to include a human rights perspective in trade and business. The Philippines made recommendations. 67. Cyprus commended Colombia for its commitment to human rights and its pledge to end impunity for human rights abuses. It noted the strengthening of relationships between the Government and the civil society and human rights defenders. It urged closer attention to children’s rights. It made a recommendation. 68. The Czech Republic commended the enactment of the Victims and Land Restitution Law and encouraged Colombia to continue its efforts to promote and protect human rights and to strengthen the rule of law. It made recommendations. 69. The Dominican Republic welcomed the delegation and thanked Colombia for the presentation of its national report. The Dominican Republic made recommendations. 70. Ecuador recognized the progress and efforts made with regard to building lasting peace and a just society. The importance of the Victims and Land Restitution Law and efforts in the area of social and legal assistance for displaced persons were highlighted, as were achievements in poverty reduction. Ecuador made recommendations. 71. Egypt welcomed efforts made by Colombia to promote and protect human rights, including the strengthening of the areas and entities responsible for protecting the rights of minorities and the strengthening of judicial functions, social protection, security, housing and environment. Egypt made recommendations. 72. El Salvador highlighted progress made by Colombia in the fight against violence and in the protection of the population. It commended Colombia for the legislation to respond to the needs of victims, which reflected the commitment of Colombia to address impunity and support victims’ access to justice. 73. Finland asked how the Government ensured that perpetrators of human rights and international humanitarian law violations were prosecuted, and how it intended to ensure that human rights cases involving the security forces would not be tried by military courts. It asked how the issue of sexual violence would be addressed. Finland made recommendations. 74. France applauded the ratification of the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities and the International Convention for the Protection of All Persons from Enforced Disappearance, and commended progress on human rights and the launch of a peace process. France made recommendations. 75. Gabon welcomed the National Development Plan and noted efforts to strengthen the rule of law, and to combat corruption and land appropriation. Noting the provision of free primary and secondary education, it encouraged Colombia to continue extending education coverage in rural areas. Gabon made a recommendation. 76. Germany commended the Victims and Land Restitution Act and the human rights defenders protection mechanism. It noted continued attacks against human rights defenders and social leaders, particularly in rural areas, and expressed particular concern at the number of assassinations in 2012. Germany made recommendations. 9