A/HRC/21/4 110. Thailand welcomed the people- and environment-centred Constitution, particularly the recognition of the rights of nature. It appreciated efforts to promote a multinational and multicultural society and all rights relating to good living. Thailand noted the State’s rightsbased approach to improvement of prisons conditions and offered to share its experience in the treatment of women prisoners. Thailand made recommendations. 111. Turkey appreciated the economic achievements accompanied with social, inclusive and redistributive policies. It noted that the Constitution upheld children’s rights, as well as steps taken to address violence against women. Turkey made a recommendation. 112. The United Kingdom stated that the social policies had led to improvements in areas such as education, health and the rights of ethnic and sexual minorities and the elderly. It recognized efforts made in the prosecution of past human rights violations. It noted concerns raised by NGOs regarding potential restrictions on freedom of expression. The United Kingdom made a recommendation. 113. The United States of America viewed as positive the Act Prohibiting Violence against Women and the Family. It was concerned at the attacks on journalists in Ecuador and actions taken to limit freedom of expression. It expressed concerns regarding the judicial system and corruption. It made recommendations. 114. Uruguay expressed its hope that the follow-up to the second cycle of the universal periodic review would strengthen cooperation with the United Nations system and improve the quality of the State’s policies. It congratulated Ecuador for its achievements in eradicating poverty as well as for the growth in public spending in the areas of economic, social and cultural rights. Uruguay made recommendations. 115. Belarus noted the measures adopted to improve the legal framework and the necessity of ensuring the social rights for its citizens and encouraging cultural diversity. It welcomed policies guaranteeing social protection for vulnerable groups and persons with disabilities, as well as those aimed at combating trafficking in persons. Belarus made a recommendation. 116. Viet Nam noted the efforts made by Ecuador to eradicate child labour and trafficking in persons. It also noted that the enjoyment of human rights has improved thanks to policies under the new Constitution, such as the Zero Malnutrition programme. It made a recommendation. 117. Zimbabwe noted the State’s promotion of the welfare of its people through its prioritization of the fight against poverty. It also noted measures regarding drinking water, food security, a healthy environment, education, housing, prison reform, police training, gender-based violence, judicial reform and trafficking in persons. Zimbabwe made a recommendation. 118. Algeria noted that Ecuador adopted in 2008 a Constitution establishing innovative human rights mechanisms and promoting a culturally adapted health system. It also noted the 2011 law on intercultural education. Algeria called on the international community to accompany Ecuador in its efforts. 119. Argentina commended Ecuador for its National Plan for Good Living, as well as for the ratification of the International Convention for the Protection of All Persons from Enforced Disappearance. Argentina made recommendations. 120. Australia commended Ecuador on advancements under its new Constitution, on achievements in the promotion of the rights of persons with disabilities and on refugee policies. It welcomed the continued strengthening of the Public Defender’s Office. It looked forward to further efforts to ensure press freedoms. Australia made recommendations. 13