A/HRC/32/5 refugees. Armenia noted challenges in combating trafficking in persons and addressing the high number of child marriages. Armenia encouraged Niger to reconsider its reservations to its many signed and ratified international human rights instruments. 109. Australia expressed concern about reports of torture and ill-treatment of detainees accused of terrorist activities. It noted the de facto moratorium on executions. However, it regretted that this penalty remained in the Penal Code. Australia was also concerned by reports of violence against women, including female genital mutilation, and by the persistence of slavery. 110. Azerbaijan welcomed the ratification of the Optional Protocol to the Convention against Torture and the Optional Protocol to the Convention on the Rights of the Child on the involvement of children in armed conflict, and the adoption of the law against trafficking and of rural and water codes. Azerbaijan commended the cooperation of Niger with human rights mechanisms, highlighting the issuance of a standing invitation issued to special procedures, and welcomed quotas for women in elected office and public service. 111. Belgium welcomed the standing invitation extended by Niger to special procedures in 2012, recent ratification of the International Convention for the Protection of All Persons from Enforced Disappearance, and the ratification of the Rome Statute and related amendments to the Penal Code. Belgium expressed appreciation for the moratorium on the death penalty and the decision of Niger to pass the bill to adhere to the Second Optional Protocol to the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights. Belgium was concerned at the deterioration of the security situation caused by terrorist groups’ attacks. Belgium encouraged Niger to ensure the independence of the Judiciary. 112. Benin welcomed in particular the adoption of various laws covering areas such as political life, individual freedoms, child protection and the administration of justice. Benin welcomed the adoption of measures taken regarding the rights to education, food and health. Benin urged Niger to continue awareness-raising campaigns to ensure the completion of legislative processes for the abolition of the death penalty. Benin urged the international community to support the human rights and development efforts of Niger. 113. Botswana welcomed the adoption of the 2014-2019 action plan of the national commission to coordinate the fight against trafficking in persons, as well as legislative measures taken. It encouraged Niger to fully implement the Declaration of Table Mountain and ensure the enjoyment of freedom of expression. Botswana noted measures taken in the areas of violence against women and girls, and early and forced marriages. 114. Brazil expressed its appreciation that Niger had issued a standing invitation to special procedures in line with the universal periodic review recommendation of Brazil. Brazil was encouraged by progress registered in food security with the adoption and implementation of the 3N initiative. It considered that efforts to combat violence against women and girls needed to be further strengthened. 115. Burkina Faso acknowledged security and environmental challenges faced by Niger. It welcomed progress to accede to international human rights instruments. Burkina Faso called upon the international community to fully support Niger in the fight against terrorism. 116. Burundi applauded the issuance of a standing invitation for special procedures to visit Niger. Burundi congratulated Niger for the adoption of the national human rights action plan and a citizenship and human rights education programme. Burundi welcomed the establishment of a national human rights commission. Burundi noted the adoption of a national social protection policy and a regulatory framework to improve care for persons with disabilities and the elderly. 14 GE.16-05960