A/HRC/13/9 63. While acknowledging the socio-economic challenges, Mauritius commended the government for pursuing a long-term strategy to promote economic, social and cultural rights. It welcomed the drafting of a poverty reduction strategic plan and the protection of the right to a healthy environment, which deserves international support. Mauritius made recommendations 64. Niger noted the Ouagadougou Agreement as a turning point for the return to peace and stability through the organization of free and transparent elections and the establishment of democratic institutions. It welcomed the establishment of independent mechanisms to defend and protect citizens. Regarding the organization of the upcoming elections, Niger asked about the measures taken to finalize the registration of voters. Niger made recommendations. 65. Viet Nam noted with satisfaction the efforts made, particularly to establish a normative and institutional framework, all testifying of the commitment of Côte d’Ivoire to the universal values of human rights. Viet Nam made recommendations. 66. Nigeria appreciated the establishment of bodies to regulate and monitor the implementation of the rights guaranteed under various instruments, including women’s and children’s rights, universal education and primary healthcare. It commended the efforts of Côte d’Ivoire in handling the incident in August 2006 of dumping of toxic waste. It asked about the level of success of the reforms in addressing major areas of concern. Nigeria made recommendations. 67. Cameroon noted the measures and the structures established to implement the ratified conventions and treaties. It encouraged Côte d’Ivoire to effectively implement all actions enumerated in the national report to promote and protect human rights. It called upon the Human Rights Council and the international community to provide greater assistance to Côte d’Ivoire as requested in paragraph 154 of the national report. 68. Luxembourg appreciated progress related to child soldiers, the abolition of death penalty and female genital mutilation. It noted the weak political participation of women, the persistence of female genital mutilation, polygamy and sexual violence. Luxembourg saluted the programme of economic reforms. It underlined the importance of having electoral lists based on consensus and demographic reality. It asked about measures taken for groups vulnerable to HIV/AIDS and the lead time for the adoption of legislation on reproductive health. Luxembourg made recommendations. 69. The Libyan Arab Jamahiriya noted with satisfaction the efforts of Côte d’Ivoire to promote and protect human rights at all levels. It recalled the efforts made to accede to most human rights instruments. It commended the Constitution for guaranteeing gender equality, the major progress in fighting gender-based discrimination and the creation of the National Human Rights Commission. The Libyan Arab Jamahiriya made a recommendation. 70. Burkina Faso recalled its commitment to work with Côte d’Ivoire in the context of the Ouagadougou Agreement in seeking a lasting peace guaranteeing democracy and the rule of law. It noted that the efforts to protect and promote human rights in Côte d’Ivoire encountered difficulties, which almost all countries of the sub-region are acquainted with and reaffirmed its support to Côte d’Ivoire. 71. Malaysia noted that Côte d’Ivoire remained resilient and committed to democratic ideals. It was pleased about cooperation between Côte d’Ivoire and United Nations’ human rights mechanisms, and the Security Council-mandated United Nations Operation in Côte d’Ivoire (UNOCI). Malaysia made recommendations. 72. The Democratic Republic of the Congo noted that, despite instability, Côte d’Ivoire constantly worked to protect and promote human rights demonstrated by the establishment of mechanisms to consolidate the rule of law. It applauded efforts made in fighting 10 GE.10-10140