A/HRC/32/5 had invited United Nations bodies to provide Niger with the technical support it needed to ensure a better future for its people. B. Interactive dialogue and responses by the State under review 52. During the interactive dialogue, 68 delegations made statements. Recommendations made during the dialogue are to be found in section II of the present report. 53. Chad noted the efforts of Niger to implement recommendations accepted during its first universal periodic review and its voluntary commitments. Chad encouraged Niger to continue to deal with a large number of challenges it faced and called for significant support from partner countries to assist Niger. 54. China commended Niger for the development of its 2012-2015 Action Plan and for conscientiously implementing the recommendations of the first cycle of the universal periodic review. China welcomed the efforts of Niger to combat slavery and improve people’s health, education, employment and other economic, social and cultural rights. China called on the international community to support Niger in moving forward with its sustainable development. 55. The Congo noted the efforts of Niger to improve its human rights situation through its plan of action for 2012-2015. It noted the creation of national institutions between 2011 and 2013. However, it also noted the persistence of challenges, particularly regarding social rights and rights of women. It expressed appreciation for the decision of Niger to abolish the death penalty. 56. Costa Rica acknowledged the efforts of Niger regarding the ratification of human rights instruments and the establishment of institutions to ensure democracy and the rule of law. However, it noted with concern challenges related to gender equality, the security situation and internal displacements. It regretted the lack of laws and standards to effectively abolish the death penalty and criminalize torture. 57. Côte d’Ivoire welcomed in particular the accession of Niger to the International Convention for the Protection of All Persons from Enforced Disappearance. Cote d’Ivoire welcomed the setting up of the Programme for Economic and Social Development 20122015, and encouraged the continuation of such efforts for combating poverty. 58. France welcomed measures taken by Niger in the area of human rights since its first universal periodic review, in particular the ratification of the International Convention for the Protection of All Persons from Enforced Disappearance and the Optional Protocol to the Convention against Torture and other Cruel, Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment. 59. The Democratic Republic of Congo noted with satisfaction the ratification by Niger of core human rights instruments and that Niger was the first country to sign the Optional Protocol to the International Labour Organization (ILO) Forced Labour Convention, 1930 (No. 29) aiming at combating modern slavery. Furthermore, it welcomed the fact that Niger voted in favour of General Assembly resolution 65/206 on the moratorium on the use of the death penalty. 60. Denmark commended Niger for its ratification of the Optional Protocol to the Convention against Torture and its efforts to promote the rights of women and girls. However, it expressed concern at reports of arrests of journalists and politicians, persistence of discrimination against women and girls, and the practice of land grabbing. Denmark urged Niger to respect freedom of speech and assembly, as well as democratic principles. 8 GE.16-05960