A/HRC/21/16 ratification of the Optional Protocol to the Convention on the Rights of the Child on the involvement of children in armed conflict. It made recommendations. 94. Burkina Faso noted with satisfaction that the national report described action taken to implement the recommendations received during the first UPR cycle. It noted that several international instruments had not yet been ratified. It made recommendations. 95. Canada noted reports that some police officers accepted bribes from rape perpetrators; low rates in investigating and successfully prosecuting sexual violence, including incidents allegedly perpetrated by South African peacekeepers; as well as the inadequacy of support for victims. It inquired about measures taken or planned in response to those concerns. It made recommendations. 96. Cape Verde noted the significant achievements made by South Africa in the social sphere with respect to health, in particular in combating AIDS, and efforts to ensure education and social services despite the persistent difficulties. It made recommendations. 97. Chad noted with satisfaction the broad consultation with national institutions in the preparation of the report. It noted South Africa’s dynamic youth policy, implemented through the National Youth Development Agency, which is aimed at promoting social freedom and economic emancipation for young people. It made recommendations. 98. Chile recognized efforts made to consolidate human rights in the legal and institutional framework, as part of the ongoing process of reforms. Chile highlighted, in particular, progress made in the areas of social security and the right to food and the creation of an interministerial committee on xenophobia. Chile made recommendations. 99. China commended endeavours to safeguard the rights of women, children, persons with disabilities, indigenous peoples and veterans. It highlighted achievements in education and the promotion and initiation of a national insurance scheme. It noted efforts to eradicate xenophobia and promote social harmony. It made a recommendation. 100. The Congo commended South Africa for measures such as the implementation of the National Health Insurance system, the National Languages Bill and the harmonization of the age for pension rights for men and women. It welcomed the Action Plan to 2014 on education. 101. Costa Rica praised South Africa for promoting a legal framework that incorporated the highest international standards on torture, and expressed hope that legislation would be approved promptly. It also expressed hope for a swift finalization and implementation of a national plan to combat racism, racial discrimination, xenophobia and related intolerance. Costa Rica made recommendations. 102. Côte d’Ivoire congratulated South Africa on its political courage, highlighting the many challenges it faced in building a multiracial and harmonious society. It recalled the international community’s duty to show solidarity to South Africa. It made a recommendation. 103. Cuba underscored the progress made in combating HIV/AIDS, in accordance with recommendations made during the first UPR cycle. It noted the creation of the National Planning Commission in 2010, charged with promoting long-term development and growth, which will result in the decrease of inequalities. Cuba made a recommendation. 104. The Czech Republic acknowledged progress in the enhancement of the role of women but noted the high rate of gender-based violence. It regretted that South Africa had not adopted legislative measures to prevent, prosecute and punish acts of torture and other ill treatment since 2008. It expressed concern about attempts to limit freedom of expression. It made recommendations. 12