A/HRC/29/7 66. The Democratic People’s Republic of Korea highlighted the efforts to ensure political stability and peace noting the series of measures taken in promoting civil, political, economic, social and cultural rights. 67. The Democratic Republic of the Congo praised the efforts to implement the accepted recommendations of the first UPR cycle, making reference to the adoption and amendments of 90 laws. It praised the efforts made to reduce poverty and the ratification of CAT. 68. Djibouti welcomed the participatory and broad consultative approach to include all public institutions and NGOs in drafting the national report, reflecting a realistic assessment of the human rights situation in the country. 69. Egypt welcomed the positive policy and legislative reforms, including accession to CAT. It acknowledged that unexploded ordnance constituted a major obstacle that negatively impacts the Government’s efforts to promote human rights. 70. Estonia noted with satisfaction the progress made in women’s participation at the political level and the involvement of women in government and local administration at all levels. It expressed concern about the prevalence of violence against children at homes and at schools, and noted the deficiencies in practice in the right to freedom of expression and access to the Internet. 71. Ethiopia commended implementation of a significant number of recommendations from the first UPR. It appreciated the adoption of the Seventh National Socioeconomic Development Plan, designed to reduce poverty and address the root causes of underdevelopment. 72. Finland stated that more progress was needed with respect to the human rights of the most vulnerable groups such as women, children and ethnic groups. It stressed the instrumental role played by the human rights defenders in society referring to the disappearance of Sombath Somphone. 73. France welcomed the ratification of CAT and the progress made in social and economic rights-related areas. It deplored the severe restrictions imposed on civil society. 74. Germany thanked the delegation for the information provided on its advance questions. 75. The delegation of the Lao People’s Democratic Republic reiterated the commitment of the Government to maintaining equality, justice and the rule of law. As regards Sombath Somphone, it mentioned that cases of disappearance happened throughout the world, sometimes as a result of conflict with criminal groups. Some cases are resolved expeditiously, others might require years to resolve, while many cases are still pending, despite the fact that today States have advanced investigation technologies. The delegation clarified that the Investigation Committee was always open to views or suggestions to help the investigation, and was ready to receive suggestions from any interested parties with regard to the ongoing investigation. The delegation gave assurances that the authorities were still conducting its investigations and would continue to conduct a thorough investigation into this case in order to find the truth and bring perpetrators to justice in accordance with the law. 76. The delegation cited the important judicial reforms that had taken place since the first UPR review, including the adoption of the Law on Lawyers, which has the substantive goal of ensuring that lawyers carry out their work effectively and in adherence of an enshrined professional code. 9