A/HRC/13/16 8. The delegation stated that, its country is a party to a number of international human rights instruments, which constitutes the framework for cooperation with the Human Right Council. 9. Through its Constitution, the fundamental law of Equatorial Guinea of 1982, the country has progressively achieved a democratic and social State. The (constitutional) amendment of 1991 (Inclusion of Political pluralism), and of 1995 (creation of Constitutional Court) constituted important goals in the political and legal history of Equatorial Guinea. 10. B. The delegation made an introduction of the different sections of the national report. Interactive dialogue and responses by the State under review 11. During the interactive dialogue, 40 delegations made statements. A number of delegations thanked the Government for the presentation of the comprehensive national report, prepared through a large consultation process that allowed for an assessment of Equatorial Guinea’s human rights promotion and protection efforts. Recommendations made during the interactive dialogue are to be found in section II of the present report. 12. Algeria welcomed the setting up of a free education system which guarantees compulsory primary education. It noted that the government set the goal of being an emerging country by 2020 and to this end, has adopted an economic and social policy aiming at poverty reduction based inter alia on periodic evaluation of poverty levels and the improvement of governance. It asked for more information on this policy. Algeria noted with interest that the government ensured access to the courts through free legal assistance, lowering procedural costs and establishing tribunals in the different regions. It made recommendations. 13. Turkey noted the ratification of most of the core human rights treaties and encouraged the Government to comply with the reporting obligations. Turkey praised the 2006 Act on National Education and referred to the shortcoming of girls schooling. While commending the efforts to improve the infrastructure, including access to safe drinking water, Turkey understood that more needed to be done to ameliorate the living conditions. Turkey expressed hope that Equatorial Guinea would be recognized as Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative (EITI) compliant following the validation process. Turkey made recommendations. 14. Egypt noted that Equatorial Guinea is making a commendable effort to protect human rights and appreciated the role of the Constitutional Court in this regard. It commended the government for its education national plans and requested information on efforts to ensure equal access to education for girls and boys. Egypt noted Equatorial Guinea’s national health plans and programmes, including that aimed at reducing maternal and neonatal mortality and improving healthcare in rural areas. It commended the commitment to ensure access to safe drinking water and requested information on plans to combat trafficking in and exploitation of children as well as those aimed at improving gender equality. Egypt made recommendations. 15. The United Kingdom commended the commitment to allocate 40 per cent of investment income to the social sector and noted that programs as the Action Plan on education for all require adequate budgetary provision. It welcomed measures implemented as required for Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative candidate country status and hoped for measures to improve transparency in budgetary process. It welcomed the treatment accorded a British national during his detention in Malabo and noted that despite progress, challenges remain regarding implementation of law 6/2006 on the prevention and punishment of torture. The independence of judges and lawyers should be addressed on a 4