A/HRC/14/13 66. Switzerland took note of the replies made to its advance questions. Switzerland expressed concern about ongoing stalemates undermining the transition process in the context of the Maputo Agreement and the additional act of Addis Ababa, and urged a solution to the unstable situation to ensure that the Government would fulfil its obligations in terms of protecting human rights. Switzerland noted with great concern the deterioration in the conditions related to the exercise of freedom of opinion and expression. Switzerland noted that a number of measures had been taken to improve detention conditions, but expressed concern about general detention conditions and prison overcrowding. Switzerland made recommendations. 67. Sweden noted that, while Madagascar had ratified all major United Nations human rights conventions, political unrest and political turmoil remained a source of concern, especially with regard to the right of all persons to take part in the conduct of public affairs. It requested information about measures being taken to guarantee that right. Sweden noted that, while Madagascar had imposed a de facto moratorium on the death penalty, it had not adopted a law formally abolishing it, nor had it signed and ratified the Second Optional Protocol to the Convention on Civil and Political Rights. Sweden requested information about the status of the death penalty, including with regard to any plans to abolish it de jure and to sign and ratify the Second Optional Protocol. It made recommendations. 68. Turkey noted that Madagascar was party to most human rights instruments. It welcomed the establishment of a mediator and a National Human Rights Council, and encouraged Madagascar to implement them in cooperation with the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights. It also welcomed the legislative reforms concerning family law and the elimination of discrimination against women, as well as the adoption of a National Plan for the Education of Girls and the programme on “inclusive education” for children with disabilities. Turkey acknowledged existing challenges to the registration of children, as cited by the Committee on the Rights of the Child, and encouraged the re-establishment of the Registry on Civil Status so that every child would be registered at birth. It requested information about reform legislation concerning measures providing alternatives to incarceration. It encouraged Madagascar to intensify its efforts to implement the national plan for women’s equality and requested information about measures taken regarding that policy. It hoped that the cooperation with United Nations human rights mechanisms would continue and welcomed Madagascar’s willingness to continue its dialogue with treaty bodies. 69. Latvia flagged the issue of standing invitations to Special Procedures and referred to the request of the Special Rapporteur on the right to food to visit Madagascar. It made recommendations. 70. Mexico noted the challenges faced by Madagascar in implementing the transitional institutions provided for by the Maputo and Addis Ababa agreements. It favoured having stability, prosperity and democratic freedoms guaranteed through a consensual and inclusive process of dialogue. Mexico also noted Madagascar’s ratification and accession to most international human rights instruments, and it encouraged Madagascar to seek the support and assistance of the international community in its fight against poverty. Mexico made recommendations. 71. Kyrgyzstan noted Madagascar’s efforts to strengthen the national human rights protection system, including the plan of action to achieve the Millennium Development Goals, the fight against corruption, the efforts made to improve the education system and the policies adopted in favour of children. It also noted the existence of more than 1,500 associations and non-governmental organizations in the country. It made recommendations. 11