A/HRC/42/16 65. The Russian Federation condemned the attempts by some countries to destabilize the situation in Nicaragua by encouraging demonstrations and stimulating internal unrest. 66. Senegal appreciated the efforts made in terms of access to health services, clean water, energy, property and decent housing. It welcomed measures to promote the right to work, the rights of older persons and the progress achieved concerning the rights of women and children. 67. Serbia welcomed the achievements made in implementing the recommendations from the previous review cycle and supported efforts in the fields of education, health care and social policy, particularly given the obstacles faced by Nicaragua. 68. Slovakia condemned the repression against civil society, the media and journalists, and the use of antiterrorist laws to suppress opposing views. 69. South Africa acknowledged the efforts made by Nicaragua to eradicate poverty, promote economic and social rights and protect domestic and women workers. 70. Spain expressed deep concern at the current situation in Nicaragua, particularly with regard to the negotiation process, and stressed the need to guarantee human rights. 71. The State of Palestine welcomed the efforts of Nicaragua to combat extreme poverty and prioritize access to justice, particularly for women and children. 72. Sweden acknowledged the agreements signed on 29 March 2019, in which the Government had made commitments concerning political prisoners and freedom of association, but remained concerned about the implementation of those commitments and the deteriorating human rights situation. 73. Switzerland regretted that Nicaragua had not upheld the commitments it had made at the previous universal periodic review to guarantee freedom of expression, freedom of the press and the protection of journalists and human rights defenders. 74. The Syrian Arab Republic congratulated Nicaragua on its achievements in the field of social and economic development, its National Human Development Plan and related policies. 75. Turkey welcomed the steps Nicaragua had taken towards economic and social progress and noted its ranking in terms of gender equality. 76. Ukraine encouraged Nicaragua to redouble its efforts to prevent violations of women’s and children’s human rights. 77. The United Kingdom regretted the suspension of the political dialogue. It urged Nicaragua to allow OHCHR access to the country. 78. The United States was concerned that human rights violations were continuing, including violent responses to peaceful protests. 79. Uruguay welcomed the achievements Nicaragua had made with its National Human Development Plan and encouraged it to continue implementing the development agenda, taking a human rights-based approach. 80. The Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela noted that Nicaragua had re-established peace and reduced poverty and social inequality. 81. Cuba noted that the socioeconomic indicators achieved by Nicaragua reflected its commitment to human rights. 82. The delegation of Nicaragua recalled the brutal war of aggression that had been imposed on Nicaragua in the 1980s, accompanied by economic sanctions against the Nicaraguan people, for which the International Court of Justice had found the perpetrators guilty and had imposed reparations. 83. Those who had financed that war were those who were currently imposing immoral and unjust economic sanctions on the country, aimed at impeding the Nicaraguan people’s access to finance for development and welfare projects. 6