A/HRC/34/10 89. Ukraine noted the reported persistence of harmful practices and stereotypes targeting women, children, persons with disabilities, sexual minorities, ethnic minority groups and people living with HIV/AIDS. 90. The United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland urged Uganda to protect the fundamental freedoms of association, assembly and expression and ensure an open operating environment for political parties, NGOs and the media. 91. The United Republic of Tanzania encouraged Uganda to continue intensifying its efforts to ensure that children could exercise their rights by helping the most vulnerable and less privileged children complete their studies. 92. The United States of America remained concerned that the security forces and other authorities continued to violate citizens’ rights to freedom of expression, association and peaceful assembly, including opposition members, journalists and lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and intersex persons. 93. Uruguay welcomed the steps that Uganda had taken, including the adoption of the National Action Plan on Human Rights, to strengthen the institutional framework for the promotion and protection of human rights. 94. The Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela acknowledged the elaboration in 2014 of the National Action Plan on Human Rights and welcomed the measures taken to ensure access to education for all, as well as the 2013 National Agricultural Policy, with its focus on vulnerable sectors. 95. Zambia expressed concern about the prevalence of violence against women, in particular domestic and sexual violence. Harmful practices against women and girls were also of great concern. 96. Zimbabwe noted that Uganda had made progress on a number of fronts, for instance, by adopting laws elaborating on the rights provided for in the Constitution and developing the National Action Plan on Human Rights. 97. Algeria welcomed the adoption of the National Action Plan on Human Rights and measures to improve access to health services and combat discrimination, with a special focus on marginalized groups. 98. Angola welcomed economic and social measures but noted challenges in connection with legislation, bringing national laws into line with international treaties, providing vulnerable groups with access to education, child mortality and birth registration. 99. Argentina welcomed the fact that there had been no executions subsequent to death sentences in recent years and encouraged Uganda to abolish the death penalty. 100. Armenia welcomed and encouraged steps to combat trafficking in persons and promote children’s rights, although it noted that a significant number of children were involved in child labour. 101. Australia welcomed the work of the Uganda Human Rights Commission and the creation of a national human rights action plan. It encouraged Uganda to implement the Commission’s decisions and repeal the Public Order Management Act. 102. Austria was concerned by the rise of social and economic inequality, especially between rural and urban areas, access to justice for the rural poor and the excessive use of force by security agencies. 103. Azerbaijan welcomed the country’s constructive approach to the review process and the National Action Plan on Human Rights. 11