A/HRC/22/16 116. Slovenia noted the Committee on the Elimination of Discrimination against Women’s call for inclusion of a gender perspective in national Development Agenda and reports on attacks of human rights defenders. Slovenia made recommendations. 117. South Africa was encouraged by Sri Lanka’s initial steps to address extreme poverty, to achieve MDGs, elaborate a National Human Rights Action Plan, resettle IDPs and conduct demining. It raised the challenges associated with armed conflict and protecting children’s rights. It made recommendations. 118. South Sudan acknowledged Sri Lanka’s achievements in demining, integration of ex-combatants, resettlement of IDPs, education policy and the achievement of MDGs in health and education. It commended post-conflict progress and made recommendations. 119. Spain applauded progress made in promoting and protecting human rights. It made recommendations. 120. The Sudan noted challenges to human rights resulting from armed conflict, an experience shared by the Sudan. It paid tribute to Sri Lanka’s efforts to restore stability. Sudan noted the plan of action approved by the Government last July to implement the recommendations of the LLRC. The Sudan made recommendations. 121. Swaziland was encouraged by Sri Lanka’s focus on development of the Northern Eastern provinces. It acknowledged the 2010 establishment of the LLRC as a human rights safety net to encourage dialogue and compromise. It made a recommendation. 122. Sweden noted the decrease in reports of enforced disappearances; however it noted questions by civil society organizations about the impartiality of the parties investigating enforced disappearances. It raised concern over the absence of criminal convictions related to recruitment of child soldiers. It made recommendations. 123. Switzerland noted the lack of proper follow-up to reports from experts mandated by the Secretary-General. It raised concerns over continued forced disappearances. It raised concerns over legitimate grievances of minorities and need for an inclusive dialogue. Switzerland made recommendations. 124. The Syrian Arab Republic acknowledged Sri Lanka’s rapid emergence from a spiral of violence yet noted huge challenges remaining. It welcomed implementation of recommendations from the reconciliation commission, in particular the rehabilitation of former soldiers. It made a recommendation. 125. Minister Samarasinghe of Sri Lanka thanked the President of the Council for the manner in which she conducted the proceedings. He appreciated the many interventions by delegations. Sri Lanka is encouraged by the acknowledgment of positive developments and has noted concerns expressed by the international community. Progress has been achieved on many fronts. He assured that Sri Lanka will work to ensure that challenges are overcome and report further progress at the next Council session. 126. The Minister reiterated that Sri Lanka’s progress should be acknowledged. Sri Lanka should be given time and space and the international community should constructively engage with Sri Lanka. Sri Lanka was a multicultural, multilingual, multireligious country and is proud of its diversity - a source of strength. Sri Lanka will ensure that its diversity was protected and nurtured and through this cultivate a true Sri Lankan identity. 13