A/HRC/26/13 conditions, and remarked that indefinite military conscription constituted forced labour and deepened poverty, while the lack of free press curtailed freedom of expression. 39. Belgium noted progress in combating FGM, but expressed concern about the deterioration of the human rights situation in several areas. It noted the use of children in armed conflicts. 40. Bhutan noted, inter alia, the provision of free education, vocational skills training for school dropouts and economic empowerment programmes for women, among other achievements. It commended Eritrea’s progress towards attaining the MDGs on health, gender equality, poverty, hunger and primary education. 41. Botswana, acknowledging the progress made in health, education and gender equality and noted the reports of disappearances, torture, detentions without trial, judicial interference and restrictions on the freedoms of movement, expression and public participation. It encouraged Eritrea to strengthen the rule of law and civil and political rights. 42. Brazil encouraged further efforts to enhance women’s rights. It expressed concern that Eritrea had not ratified the core human rights treaties and that freedom of expression and religion remained limited. Brazil asked how the international community could support the implementation of recommendations. 43. Canada asked Eritrea about steps taken to repeal criminalization of consensual homosexual activity. It expressed concern about poor prison conditions, torture and secret detention centres and urged Eritrea to fulfil its obligations and allow monitors and special procedures mandate holders to visit Eritrea. 44. Chad noted that significant consultations with all relevant stakeholders had been held in view of the preparation of the national report. It acknowledged that Eritrea was party to some of the principal international human rights instruments. 45. Chile welcomed the adoption of Proclamation 158/2007 prohibiting FGM and the related awareness-raising campaigns. It was concern at forced disappearances. It noted the progress towards attaining the health-related MDGs. 46. China acknowledged the promotion of economic, social and cultural rights — which improved food security —, integrated rural development, infrastructure strengthening, health and education and gender equality. It called on the international community to provide assistance to meet the challenges. 47. Colombia acknowledged efforts to implement recommendations from the first UPR cycle and particularly highlighted the progress made in respecting women’s rights and access to health care and education. It proposed to share its experience in designing and implementing mechanisms to monitor implementation of the recommendations. 48. Croatia noted efforts to educate girls and attain the MDGs related to gender equality. It welcomed efforts to eradicate FGM, but was concerned that the incidence of FGM remained high. It expressed concern about non-recognition of conscientious objection to military service and the impact of indefinite military service on children and society. 49. Cuba noted efforts to improve social, economic and cultural rights, particularly the rights to food, health and education, and emphasized the positive reforms in basic education, prohibition of child labour and re-education of minors in conflict with the law. It acknowledged the integration of women in Government. 50. Estonia urged Eritrea to implement all recommendations made and to cooperate with the special procedures mandate holders, increase efforts and funding to improve women’s 7