A/HRC/32/5 61. Djibouti welcomed the participative and inclusive approach to the preparation of the national report of Niger. Djibouti expressed appreciation for the efforts underscoring the political willingness of the Government to improve the human rights situation in Niger. 62. Egypt noted the progress of Niger on human rights through the establishment of a national human rights institution, its action plan to implement recommendations from the first universal periodic review, and measures to fight against contemporary forms of slavery and trafficking in persons. It encouraged Niger to pay great attention to protecting economic and social rights in the context of sustainable development. 63. Ethiopia commended the significant advances of Niger in its ratifications and the follow-up framework in place for the implementation of the recommendations of the first cycle of the universal periodic review. Ethiopia expressed appreciation for the establishment of a counter-terrorism institutional framework to better contain the terrorist threat. Ethiopia encouraged Niger to continue working towards socioeconomic development to sustain and support vulnerable groups. 64. Cuba welcomed the fact that Niger had adopted important legislation further to its first universal periodic review, such as the laws on juvenile courts and trafficking, and the adoption of the justice and human rights action plan. Cuba praised the policy of early childhood development and the improvements in the areas of health, education, employment and food. 65. Georgia noted with appreciation the ratification of international human rights instruments, particularly the Optional Protocol to the Convention against Torture, and adoption of legislative provisions since the first universal periodic review cycle. It welcomed the standing invitation issued to special procedures and highlighted efforts to combat slavery, including the adoption of a national action plan to combat trafficking in persons. Georgia acknowledged steps taken to enhance the protection of women and children. 66. Germany recognized the efforts of Niger to cooperate with the United Nations human rights system, particularly the standing invitation issued to special procedures. Germany remained, however, concerned at the high rate of early, child and forced marriages and insufficient protection of migrants and refugees from smugglers and human traffickers. 67. Ghana expressed appreciation for the 2012-2015 Action Plan, aimed at implementing the recommendations of the first cycle of the universal periodic review. Ghana shared the concerns of Niger of the threat posed by terrorists. It expressed concern about alleged reports of intimidation and ill-treatment by security agencies of human rights defenders, journalists and other civilians exercising their rights to free speech, peaceful assembly and freedom of religion. 68. Indonesia welcomed the establishment of the national human rights institution, the Ombudsman’s office and institutions to combat trafficking in persons and corruption. Indonesia welcomed the national policy on justice and human rights and its 10-year plan of action for 2016-2025, including the increase of women’s participation in politics and the national policies implemented for children and youth, as well as for social welfare. 69. The Islamic Republic of Iran noted progress, particularly in reducing neonatal and maternal mortality rates and the implementation of different programmes for children to access education. It applauded the adoption of the national action plan on combatting human trafficking in 2014. 70. Iraq expressed appreciation for the ratification of international instruments and the role played by Niger in combatting terrorism and consolidating human rights within GE.16-05960 9