A/HRC/27/10 8. Innovative measures taken for the protection and promotion of civil and political rights were described. A general pardon had been granted to convicts. Owing to the amendment of the Criminal Law in 2010, the terms of penalties had been shortened and the degree of punishment mitigated. The independence and impartiality of the judiciary was further ensured through the amending of the Criminal Procedure Law in 2011. 9. The Government made efforts to improve economic construction and people’s living and to build a socialist civilized country. In order to address food shortages the Government paid special attention to the agricultural sector, inter alia, incentivizing farmers through the introduction of new agricultural management methods and innovating agricultural science and technology. 10. Efforts were focused on laying the material and technical foundations for people to fully enjoy the benefits of a universal free medical-care system, while trying to achieve international standards in major health indicators. 11. The universal compulsory education had been transformed from an 11-year system to a 12-year system, starting from the 2014/15 school year. The quality of university education had been further enhanced through the improved educational conditions. A teleeducation system had been set up, linking the local libraries and scientific and educational institutions to the central library. 12. Thousands of modern houses and welfare facilities had been built in Pyongyang and in the provinces. In 2013 alone, hundreds of places for leisure and cultural activities had been set up countrywide. 13. Progress had been made in protecting and promoting the rights of children, women, the elderly and persons with disabilities. Special attention was given to health care and education for children without parents. 14. Measures had been taken for the care of older persons with no one to depend on and a new support system had been established. The Korean Federation for the Protection of Persons with Disabilities had refined the scope of its activities, with a series of measures taken for the early detection and recovery of children with disabilities. 15. The delegation reiterated the Government’s commitment to continue efforts to ensure the enjoyment of human rights by the population despite the serious challenges faced. The persistent politically motivated pressure and military threat by outside forces remained major sources contributing to the destruction of the peaceful environment needed for economic development and improvement of people’s standard of living. Moreover, the economic sanctions threatened the people’s right to existence and the peaceful development of the country. 16. The Government would further promote cooperation and dialogue with friendly countries and open up new channels for improved relationships with others without questioning the past. The delegation assured the Human Rights Council of the Government’s commitment to fulfil its international human rights obligations. It expressed the conviction that the review would serve as an occasion to promote understanding of the real human rights situation in the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea. B. Interactive dialogue and responses by the State under review 17. During the interactive dialogue, 85 delegations made statements. Recommendations made during the dialogue are to be found in section II of the present report. 18. Turkmenistan welcomed efforts to strengthen legislation, the adoption of several laws to protect women and children, and changes to the education system. 4