A/HRC/22/9 Ombudsman, which has helped strengthen governance in the country. The Sudan made recommendations. 82. Switzerland welcomed the abolition of the death penalty and ratification of the Second Optional Protocol to the ICCPR, aiming at the abolition of the death penalty. While commending Benin on enacting legislation to reduce discrimination against particularly vulnerable people, it was concerned that it has not yet been implemented. It recognized efforts to ensure free education for all. Switzerland made recommendations. 83. Thailand highlighted Benin’s agreements with international partners on poverty reduction and encouraged favourable consideration of its appeal for funding to implement the recommendations of the Subcommittee on Prevention of Torture. Thailand expressed its willingness to cooperate with Benin in areas of mutual interest. It appreciated efforts to ensure the right to education and health. Thailand made recommendations. 84. Chad applauded Benin’s efforts to implement national and international human rights commitments and the measures adopted to reduce poverty, enhance governance, organize free and transparent elections, improve access to infrastructure and basic social services, increase economic growth and promote gender equality and women’s empowerment. It called on the international community to help Benin face its human rights challenges. 85. Uganda commended Benin for establishing a comprehensive legal and policy framework to handle human rights issues and its efforts in the area of health, women and children’s rights, family protection, the elderly and persons with disabilities. Of particular note is the appointment of nine juvenile judges who had been trained with UNICEF support. Uganda made a recommendation. 86. The United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland welcomed Benin’s accession to the Second Optional Protocol to the ICCPR, aiming at the abolition of the death penalty, and encouraged swift adoption of the new Criminal Code, which should contain a definition of torture pursuant to article 1 of the Convention against Torture. It urged Benin to commute the sentences of detainees sentenced to death. It made recommendations. 87. The United States of America applauded Benin’s legislative efforts on domestic violence, corruption and torture and the establishment of human rights institutions. It remained concerned about violence by security services, harsh prison conditions and long pretrial detention periods, restrictions on the right to strike and slowness in addressing the worst forms of child labour. It asked Benin what services or educational programmes were available to ensure the safety and well-being of LGBT citizens. It made recommendations. 88. Uruguay commended Benin on progress made to bring domestic legislation into line with international human rights standards and efforts to combat poverty, enhance governance and strengthen legislation. It expressed concern at the failure to investigate and eradicate ritual infanticide. It welcomed ratification of the Second Optional Protocol to the ICCPR, aiming at the abolition of the death penalty. Uruguay made recommendations. 89. Algeria noted with satisfaction Benin’s enhanced domestic legal arsenal, including in the areas of the rights of persons with disabilities, free and transparent elections, good governance and child trafficking. It encouraged Benin to continue its efforts to combat poverty. It supported Benin’s appeal for assistance from its partners to enable it to implement its human rights programmes. Algeria made recommendations. 90. Angola recognized the remarkable progress made since the first UPR cycle in promoting and protecting human rights and efforts to improve health care and education. It welcomed the constitutional reforms leading to the abolition of the death penalty and the 12 GE.12-18655