A/HRC/29/12 23. Cabo Verde noted the multiple challenges faced by Guinea-Bissau and welcomed the recent emergence of favourable political conditions for the promotion of human rights. It highlighted existing constraints, such as the limited institutional, financial and administrative capacity to develop, negotiate and implement the necessary reforms. It was encouraged by the determination and realism that the new Government had shown, as demonstrated by the actions that had been planned or were being developed. It appealed to Guinea-Bissau’s international partners to provide it with additional support. It made recommendations. 24. Canada welcomed the 2014 elections in Guinea-Bissau, which had marked an important step in the country’s return to democratic government and in its protection of the human rights of the people. It welcomed the country’s agreement in 2010 to revise the provisions of its legislation prohibiting female genital mutilation, and the promulgation in 2011 of a law to that effect, and asked Guinea-Bissau to provide information on the progress made in implementing the law and eradicating that scourge. It made recommendations. 25. Chile noted the progress since the first review, namely the ratification of human rights instruments, and the implementation of new laws and programmes, including the reform of the judiciary, the criminalization of female genital mutilation, and the enactment of legislation on domestic violence and reproductive health. It urged Guinea-Bissau to continue that process, with the support of the international community. It made recommendations. 26. China appreciated the ratification of several treaties, the increased investment in the public sector, including on education, health and public services, the enhancement of the role of women in politics, the fight against existing prejudices and stereotypes against women and children, and the implementation of national plans on poverty alleviation and education. China called upon the international community to provide Guinea-Bissau with technical assistance. It made recommendations. 27. Costa Rica noted the ratification of international instruments and urged GuineaBissau to align its national legislation with international law and to ensure its effective implementation. It congratulated Guinea-Bissau on the 2014 election process and expressed the hope that this would mark the definitive return of the country to democracy. It noted progress on gender equality and encouraged Guinea-Bissau to continue its efforts to ensure greater inclusion of women in all spheres of society, particularly in public and political life. It made recommendations. 28. Cuba acknowledged the commitment of Guinea-Bissau to human rights, despite the many challenges faced. It indicated that the reforms undertaken of the justice, defence and security sectors were important steps in implementing certain recommendations received during the first UPR cycle. It urged the international community to continue to support the country’s efforts to fight HIV/AIDS. It also highlighted measures to combat poverty and to improve education. It made recommendations. 29. The Democratic Republic of the Congo noted efforts made by Guinea-Bissau, despite the interruption of international aid following the political instability that the country had faced. It highlighted the adoption of legislation on trafficking and the criminalization of female genital mutilation. It noted the considerable challenges faced, including in combating poverty, in fighting effectively against transnational crime, particularly drug trafficking and money-laundering, and in improving the school attendance of girls as a way of discouraging forced and early marriages in rural areas. It made recommendations. 30. Denmark commended the constructive engagement by Guinea-Bissau in the UPR process as well as the progress that it had made in protecting human rights since its last 6 GE.15-07685