A/HRC/21/4 Constitution, which guaranteed democratic processes, as well as progress made in promoting women’s participation in public life. Qatar made a recommendation. 98. Romania commended Ecuador for the implementation of the recommendations from its review in 2008. It noted progress made with respect to protecting economic, social and cultural rights as well as civil and political rights. It asked how Ecuador addressed the high rate of women’s underemployment and unemployment, especially in the rural areas. 99. The Russian Federation noted progress on protecting human rights, including the right to water, healthy food and cultural diversity. It noted the adoption of the Constitution, which paid attention to the rights of vulnerable groups. The Russian Federation made a recommendation. 100. Saudi Arabia recognized the measures taken by Ecuador to reduce poverty, to ensure a comprehensive social development and to increase public spending. Saudi Arabia made a recommendation. 101. Singapore noted significant changes in Ecuador under the 2008 Constitution, and policies focused on people-centred development and better enjoyment of human rights. It also noted progress in combating poverty, in education and in the reduction of child labour. Singapore made recommendations. 102. Slovakia acknowledged the adoption of the 2008 Constitution and commended Ecuador for its ratification of many human rights instruments. Slovakia made recommendations. 103. Slovenia commended Ecuador for steps taken to improve the education system and increase enrolment rate. However, it noted discrepancies in access to education and the persistence of discrimination faced by indigenous and Afro-descendent women. Slovenia made recommendations. 104. South Africa commended the progress made by Ecuador in poverty eradication and efforts to create a just and equal society. It encouraged Ecuador to strengthen its institutions of governance and the protection regime for the most vulnerable groups. South Africa made recommendations. 105. Spain commended Ecuador for recent efforts, such as the adoption of the new Constitution establishing a broad human rights framework. It noted that Ecuador had ratified the Rome Statute and had extended a standing invitation to the Human Rights Council special procedures. Spain made recommendations. 106. Sri Lanka commended the efforts made by Ecuador to protect human rights, including the innovative approach to protect the environment and to combat climate change. It welcomed efforts to combat violence against women, to eradicate child labour and to reduce poverty. Sri Lanka made a recommendation. 107. Sweden referred to the situation regarding freedom of opinion and expression, and freedom of the press. While making reference to a number of reported measures, it noted that domestic violence and sexual violence against women continue to be widespread. Sweden made recommendations. 108. Switzerland commended Ecuador for the adoption of a new constitutional framework. It referred to efforts to reform the judiciary and raised concerns regarding the regulation to control and limit the activities of non-governmental organizations (NGOs). Switzerland made recommendations. 109. The Syrian Arab Republic congratulated Ecuador on its achievements in reducing the income gap, particularly in the areas of education, public health and social services. It appreciated the increased investment in education. It made recommendations. 12