A/HRC/26/13 101. Spain was concerned at the human rights situation in Eritrea and at the lack of implementation of many of the recommendations from the previous UPR. It noted progress with regard to the right to safe drinking water and sanitation and in the area of child protection, but considered that there remained many shortcomings. 102. Sudan noted efforts to improve the rights of women, persons with disabilities and children, particularly the provision of assistance to orphan children and juveniles. It called upon the relevant bodies to provide the technical cooperation requested to improve human rights. 103. Sweden acknowledged progress on certain health-related MDGs, but noted that recommendations to improve political and civil rights had not been addressed. It was concerned about violations of freedom of speech and the press and that the Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights in Eritrea had not been granted access to the country. 104. Germany deplored the lack of progress in the human rights situation since the first UPR cycle and noted that none of the accepted recommendations it had made had been implemented. It expressed deep concern at the continued forced labour of conscripts. 105. Thailand noted that challenges remained to the promotion of women’s rights, including protection from domestic violence and FGM. It noted the commitment to establish a standing committee to receive complaints of human rights violations and encouraged Eritrea to consider areas of cooperation with OHCHR. 106. Togo noted some progress in implementing the recommendations from the previous UPR, the adoption of programmes to provide assistance to orphans and street children, the provision of free compulsory education and the focus on education for girls. 107. Tunisia reaffirmed its support for the Eritrean people, the creation of a democratic State and respect of human rights. It noted the adoption of legislation to strengthen the judicial system, protect children’s rights and ensure gender equality. 108. Turkey considered that Eritrea’s invitation to the OHCHR should pave the way for further cooperation through technical support. It noted the emphasis on education for women and girls and the policy to eradicate FGM, as part of its efforts to achieve gender equality. 109. Uganda noted the programme for the economic empowerment of women, the Integrated Rural Development Schemes, the Nomadic Education Policy Framework, the establishment of vocational training schools, the provision of adult and lifelong education and the prohibition of FGM. 110. The United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland urged Eritrea to cooperate with the United Nations and the Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights in Eritrea. Regretting the lack of progress in the area of human rights, it hoped that concrete improvements would be forthcoming. Eritrea should fully implement its Constitution. 111. The United States of America urged Eritrea to promote human rights and fundamental freedoms and to invite the Special Rapporteur. It expressed concern that the Government did not prioritize civil and political rights and had not accounted for the disappearance of political prisoners. It noted the lack of democracy. 112. Uruguay encouraged Eritrea to redouble its efforts to implement all the recommendations, strengthen cooperation with the United Nations and strengthen efforts to incorporate international obligations into its new legislation. It recognized progress in the fight against FGM. 12