A/HRC/25/16 38. The Russian Federation noted with satisfaction the progress made by the Congo in the promotion and protection of human rights since the UPR first cycle. It made recommendations. 39. Rwanda commended the enhanced legislative and institutional framework for the promotion and protection of human rights. It applauded the adoption of legislation against female genital mutilation (FGM) and measures to address trafficking in persons, especially women and children. It made recommendations. 40. Senegal welcomed measures to eradicate FGM and encouraged the Congo to conduct awareness campaigns against sexual violence. It noted that the implementation of measures to promote and protect human rights, especially in relation to health and education. It made recommendations. 41. Sierra Leone noted that the Congo had implemented legislative and institutional reforms, including adopting the 2011 Indigenous People’s Promotion Act and related national action plan and measures to combat trafficking in persons. It made recommendations. 42. Singapore noted efforts to promote gender equality and empower women and continue cooperation with the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) in enhancing children’s rights to education. It also noted public health improvements, including in the provision of vaccinations and obstetric care. It made recommendations. 43. Slovakia welcomed the Congo strengthening children’s rights through accession to the Optional Protocol of CRC, and encouraged the Government in the full implementation of CRC. It was concerned by educational restrictions faced by girls and women and their lower literacy rate. It encouraged it to extend a standing invitation to all special procedures. It made a recommendation. 44. Slovenia welcomed efforts to improve access to health services and ratification of both Optional Protocols to CRC. It noted with concern that every fifth childbirth remained unregistered, affecting fundamental rights such as education and health. It made recommendations. 45. South Africa noted positive steps in children’s rights in the areas of health, education, protection from trafficking, violence and exploitation, and productive relationships with international organizations, including UNICEF. It welcomed the work in fighting the HIV/AIDS pandemic. It made recommendations. 46. South Sudan noted the measures against trafficking in persons and welcomed ratification of UNTOC and the Trafficking in Persons Protocol thereto. It appreciated achievements in the area of health, especially in maternity care and obstetrics. It made recommendations. 47. Spain congratulated the Government of the Congo on its progress in human rights, including ratification of UNTOC and the Trafficking in Persons Protocol. It made recommendations. 48. Sri Lanka welcomed the accession to the Optional Protocols to the Convention on the Rights of the Child on the involvement of children in armed conflict (OP-CRC-AC), and on the sale of children, child prostitution and child pornography (OP-CRC-SC) and UNTOC. It commended its efforts to promote access to health care, including legislation and regulations to combat HIV/AIDS, and education for all children. It made recommendations. 49. The Sudan commended the Congo on implementing the first-cycle UPR recommendations and its accession to a number of human rights instruments. It noted GE.14-10049 7