A/HRC/29/11 27. Namibia commended the adoption of the National Strategy and Action Plan for the Protection of Human Rights, and of legislation on equal opportunities between women and men. 28. The Netherlands welcomed the cooperation of Armenia with the European Union on human rights issues, and progress in alternative military service. The Netherlands expressed concern at acts of violence against human rights defenders and hate speech by government officials and police officers against religious, ethnic and sexual minorities. 29. Norway welcomed the National Strategy and Action Plan for the Protection of Human Rights and underlined the need for broad participation from civil society in its implementation. It was concerned about reports of discrimination against vulnerable groups, including HIV-sufferers. 30. The Philippines recognized the efforts of Armenia to combat trafficking in persons and welcomed its electoral reform aimed at increasing women’s representation in the legislature, as well as its ratification of international instruments. It was concerned about allegations that judicial independence remained weak. 31. Poland thanked Armenia for its participation in the UPR process and mentioned the importance it attached to the rights to freedom of opinion and expression, peaceful assembly and association. It acknowledged the efforts of Armenia in the legislative framework on the rights of the child. 32. Portugal welcomed the submission of a mid-term report in 2013, and the ratification of ICPPED and CRPD. Portugal encouraged Armenia to pursue efforts towards better protection of children’s rights. 33. The Republic of Korea appreciated the ratification of ICPPED and CRPD, and efforts to improve legislation on freedom of assembly, political participation and alternative military service. 34. The Republic of Moldova welcomed the adoption of the National Strategy for the Protection of Human Rights and thematic strategies on children’s rights, human trafficking and promoting human rights education. It also noted the adoption of a law on assistance to victims of trafficking or exploitation. 35. Romania noted the National Strategy and Action Plan for the Protection of Human Rights, the ratification of CRPD and the adoption of a law on equal opportunities for men and women. It appreciated the UPR mid-term report produced in 2013. Romania was also pleased about awareness-raising efforts in schools on women’s rights. 36. The Russian Federation commended Armenia for its efforts in the implementation of the National Strategy and Action Plan for the Protection of Human Rights. It noted the measures taken to strengthen legislation for human rights protection, reform the judicial system and ensure equality for all. 37. Rwanda commended Armenia for the programmes put in place to combat genderbased violence, including the strategic programme 2011‒2015. It also noted that Armenia had ranked third out of 191 countries in 2013 in anti-trafficking efforts. 38. Bosnia and Herzegovina welcomed the establishment of a national human rights institution with “A” status and the passing of and implementation of various laws on gender equality, the rights of persons with disabilities and the rights of national minorities. It asked Armenia for more information on its policies to address the issue of education of children with special needs. 39. Sierra Leone urged Armenia to enforce more effectively its laws on early marriage in the case of Yezidi girls. It also called on Armenia to refrain from prosecuting asylum 6