A/HRC/36/11 33. Poland acknowledged the accomplishments of Brazil in reducing poverty, in improving access to education, and in health care, and efforts to eradicate slave and child labour. 34. Portugal noted that in 2015 Brazil had organized a seminar on human rights for the lusophone countries. Portugal welcomed the National System of Human Rights Indicators, and efforts to improve the situation of persons with disabilities. 35. The Republic of Korea noted that Brazil had met most of the health targets in the Millennium Development Goals and had strengthened the mandate of its National Human Rights Council. 36. The Republic of Moldova encouraged Brazil to continue efforts in advancing indigenous peoples’ rights, to protect indigenous lands and heritage and to fight discrimination and violence against indigenous peoples. 37. The Russian Federation praised the achievements of Brazil in fighting gender, racial, ethnic and other forms of discrimination, but noted that indigenous peoples remained among the most vulnerable groups in the population. 38. While noting the progress made in combating racial discrimination and violence against women, Rwanda encouraged Brazil to enhance those efforts. 39. Senegal expressed satisfaction in regard to the reduction of extreme poverty, programmes to access housing, and the national plan of action for women for 2013-2015. 40. Serbia encouraged Brazil to continue combating torture and ill-treatment, reducing overcrowding in penitentiary institutions and giving greater emphasis to foster-care programmes for minors. 41. Sierra Leone noted the national plans on education, on combating sexual violence against children and on sustainable development. It encouraged Brazil to further protect the rights of persons of African descent and the rights of its indigenous communities. 42. Singapore commended Brazil for progress in reducing poverty, in promoting gender equality and empowering women and in promoting sustainable development. 43. Slovakia noted legislative changes to tackle the excessive use of force by law enforcement officials and the National Programme for the Protection of Human Rights Defenders. 44. Slovenia noted the establishment of institutions with specialized services for victims of domestic violence, and the adoption of the National Policy on Alternative Punishment. 45. South Africa noted the efforts made by Brazil to reduce poverty and to promote equality through affirmative action for Afro-Brazilians. 46. Spain noted the efforts made by Brazil to reduce poverty and social inequality and to promote the rights of persons with disabilities. It noted the persistence of violence against women. 47. Sri Lanka noted the progress made in combating extreme poverty and promoting social equality, improving access to health care, reducing infant mortality and promoting gender equality. 48. The State of Palestine noted the efforts made by Brazil to protect the rights of persons with disabilities and of human rights defenders. It encouraged Brazil to ensure that the National Human Rights Council was in compliance with the principles relating to the status of national institutions for the promotion and protection of human rights (the Paris Principles). 49. The Sudan commended Brazil for its efforts in reducing poverty and infant mortality, promoting the rights of persons with disabilities and ensuring access to adequate housing. 50. Sweden noted the overcrowding in prisons, the large number of child brides and an increase in violence against lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and intersex persons. 5