A/HRC/21/16 Rights Council resolution on sexual orientation and gender identity. It asked about the measures adopted against the phenomenon of female genital mutilation in migrant communities. Italy made a recommendation. 60. Portugal commended the leadership of South Africa in combating racial discrimination and intolerance and reiterated Portugal’s commitment to help to combat the scourge. It highlighted South Africa’s internationally admired Constitution, which protected all rights, including economic, social and cultural rights. Portugal made recommendations. 61. The Republic of Korea commended the achievements of South Africa in the areas of education, health and eradication of poverty, among others, and encouraged it to build upon such accomplishments and continue efforts to improve the human rights situation. It made recommendations. 62. Romania commended South Africa for positive elements mentioned in its national report. It regretted that no progress had been made as regards the ratification of OP-CAT and the International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights (ICESCR) and encouraged their ratification. Romania made a recommendation. 63. The Russian Federation noted measures to improve national human rights mechanisms, the adoption of laws and the establishment of bodies attending to the rights of children and women. It commended progress in the areas of primary education and health. It made a recommendation. 64. Senegal noted important positive changes at the institutional level and the adoption of strong measures to promote development and improve the human rights situation in the country. It noted particularly the national development plan to fight poverty and social inequality. Senegal made recommendations. 65. Singapore took note of the emphasis placed by South Africa on education and skills development and highlighted that enrolment in primary education had reached almost 100 per cent. It noted that, as pointed out in the national report, the high prevalence of HIV/AIDS continued to be a challenge. Singapore made recommendations. 66. Slovakia acknowledged the efforts made by South Africa in improving access to prevention, treatment and assistance for people living with HIV. It welcomed the functioning of one commissioner dedicated to children’s rights within the South African Human Rights Commission. Slovakia made recommendations. 67. Slovenia encouraged South Africa to continue its action to achieve the MDGs. It expressed concern about the persistence of attacks against LGBT individuals, the occurrence of hate crimes, reports of violence against children and the lack of legislative measures to prevent, prosecute and punish acts of torture and other ill-treatment. Slovenia made recommendations. 68. Spain commended South Africa for its progress in addressing HIV/AIDS and the protection of the rights of LGBT persons. It asked about measures adopted to ensure that the Protection of State Information Bill did not curtail freedom of the press and the right to information on possible inappropriate action by public officials. Spain made recommendations. 69. Sri Lanka commended South Africa on its Constitution and legislation enacted on women’s empowerment, gender equality, child justice and health. It was mindful of South Africa’s successful evolution from the particular historical circumstances it faced. It welcomed the proposed National Languages Bill and its commitment to achieving the MDGs. Sri Lanka made a recommendation. 70. Sudan commended the democratic transformation through efforts to conserve the institutions of traditional leadership and to include them in the governing bodies. It 9

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