A/HRC/40/16 100. Libya commended developments in the administration of justice, and in supporting citizens’ freedoms and rights, cooperating with international and regional human rights mechanisms and ratifying treaties. 101. Madagascar noted progress achieved, despite difficulties, such as the promulgation of the 2015 Constitution, guaranteeing the rights of all children to education, and equal access to teaching and training without discrimination. 102. Maldives welcomed the strategies of the Congo to reduce the high maternal and child mortality rates, and efforts made to improve the treatment of malnutrition and to reduce malaria. 103. Mali noted the remarkable progress that the Congo had made regarding the participation of women in political and public life and the strengthening of their representation in decision-making positions. 104. Mauritania welcomed the ratification by the Congo of several international human rights instruments and noted the progress achieved in the protection of persons with disabilities. 105. Mauritius congratulated the Congo for its close cooperation with international and regional human rights mechanisms and noted the ratification of the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities and its Optional Protocol. 106. Mexico was concerned about the persistence of exploitation and sexual violence affecting children, the lack of systematic investigation of such cases, and the persistence of some forms of slavery and trafficking. 107. Montenegro urged the Congo to take effective measures to investigate all acts of torture, and prosecute and punish those responsible, and to work decisively to prevent such acts. 108. Zimbabwe noted the reform of the Constitution in 2015, the creation of national bodies which contributed to a strong institutional framework to protect human rights, and the adoption of the National Development Plan 2018–2022. 109. The Netherlands was concerned about the lack of implementation of several genderrelated universal periodic review recommendations accepted in 2013, in particular those relating to female genital mutilation. 110. The Niger noted the ratification of international human rights instruments, and welcomed the establishment of several institutions in charge of protecting the rights of vulnerable persons. 111. Nigeria commended the Congo for its concerted efforts to ensure the protection of the rights of vulnerable groups, especially women and children, as well as persons with disabilities. 112. Uruguay encouraged the Congo to continue with the ratification of human rights conventions, particularly the Optional Protocol to the Convention against Torture and Other Cruel, Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment and the International Convention for the Protection of All Persons from Enforced Disappearance. 113. The Philippines welcomed the approval of a national action plan to implement Security Council resolution 1325 (2000) on women, peace and security, and Government’s efforts in developing curricula and manuals for teaching civic education at primary and secondary school. 114. Portugal expressed satisfaction in regard to the ceasefire between the Government and armed groups which was aimed at ending the crisis in the Pool region, and encouraged the Congo to find a remedy for all those individuals illegally detained. 115. Rwanda encouraged the Congo to strengthen measures to combat domestic violence and violence against women, including through the implementation of relevant legislation to ensure justice for the victims. GE.18-22821 9