A/HRC/40/16 ratify the Second Optional Protocol to the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, aiming at the abolition of the death penalty. 38. The United States of America was concerned by reports of cruel treatment by security forces, arbitrary arrests and the holding of prisoners of conscience, the restrictions on the freedoms of association and of peaceful assembly, and the inadequate antitrafficking legislation and enforcement efforts. 39. Paraguay welcomed the work done by institutions within the national framework for the promotion and protection of human rights and expressed hope for the quick adoption of the new penal code that would criminalize torture. 40. The Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela noted that the Constitution reaffirmed the commitment to the values of peace and social cohesion, and expressed the need to build a republic based on, inter alia, respect for human rights. It noted the ratification of several international human rights instruments. 41. Viet Nam noted the implementation of several action plans on access to quality education, poverty reduction and the rights of women and children. It also welcomed the ratification of several international human rights instruments. 42. Mozambique commended the Congo on the ratification of some regional and international human rights-related instruments, including the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities. It welcomed the constitutional reform. 43. Afghanistan noted the ratification of several core international human rights instruments, as well as the adoption of the national action plan to implement Security Council resolution 1325 (2000) on women, peace and security. 44. Algeria commended the Congo for the efforts made to implement supported recommendations from the previous review. It welcomed the strategies to reduce high rates of maternal and infant mortality, improve the treatment of malnutrition and prevent malaria infections. 45. Angola welcomed the initiatives taken to improve the quality of life of the people and the measures taken for freedom of the press. 46. Argentina congratulated the Congo on abolishing the death penalty, as stipulated in the Constitution. It noted efforts to improve women’s rights at the national level. 47. Armenia welcomed the abolition of the death penalty. It was concerned by the high number of unregistered children and encouraged the Congo to facilitate birth registration. 48. Australia commended the abolition of the death penalty and acknowledged the significant steps taken to end the conflict in the Pool region. It also noted that violence against women and human trafficking remained significant challenges. 49. Belarus noted the efforts to improve legislation to protect human rights, including the adoption of a new constitution and the proposed amendments to the Criminal Code. It also noted the engagement by the Congo with the human rights treaty bodies and the United Nations system. 50. Belgium congratulated the Congo on its follow-up to a group of recommendations accepted during the second cycle, in particular the abolition of the death penalty. 51. Benin noted with satisfaction the ratification by the Congo of various international human rights instruments, as well as different legislative and institutional reforms aimed at protecting vulnerable groups. 52. The Plurinational State of Bolivia commended the Congo for ratifying several international human rights treaties. It took note of the National Development Plan aimed at supporting the activity of agricultural groups. 53. Botswana commended the Congo for ratifying international human rights instruments and reforming its constitutional framework. 54. Brazil congratulated the Congo for its strategies aimed at reducing maternal and child mortality, combating diseases and improving the treatment of malnutrition. GE.18-22821 5