A/HRC/27/13 the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, aiming at the abolition of the death penalty and to adhere to principles of transparency in the management of natural resources. 118. Paraguay noted with concern the lack of a clear definition of discrimination against women. It encouraged Equatorial Guinea to step up its efforts to submit pending reports to the treaty bodies. 119. The Philippines encouraged Equatorial Guinea to give serious consideration to recommendations aimed at protecting women from discrimination and abuse, and urged it to engage more closely with regional and international partners to promote economic, social and cultural rights. 120. Portugal welcomed the creation of the Office of the Ombudsman and the implementation of the National Programme for education of adult, young and adolescent females. It emphasized the need for full compliance with the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights. 121. The Republic of Korea called for further action to combat stereotypes and harmful practices affecting women. It invited the Government to pay greater attention to allegations by civil society organizations concerning civil and political rights. 122. The Russian Federation applauded the steps taken by Equatorial Guinea to implement previous UPR recommendations. Although some progress had been made, it remained concerned about the human rights situation in the country. 123. Rwanda noted considerable improvements in respect of the human rights situation in Equatorial Guinea, notably the establishment of the Office of the Ombudsman ’sand the National Multisectoral Action Plan for the Advancement of Women and Gender Equity. 124. Sierra Leone applauded the action taken to address gender discrimination, the reform of the Constitution and developments that had facilitated access to justice. 125. Singapore commended the education system reforms and the focus on reducing school dropout rates. It welcomed measures to combat gender-based discrimination and violence. 126. Costa Rica hoped that the Government’s education plans and programmes would include human rights education and training. It encouraged Equatorial Guinea to abolish the death penalty. 127. South Africa welcomed efforts to address HIV/AIDS, and the National Economic and Social Development Plan for Horizon 2020. 128. South Sudan commended Equatorial Guinea on action taken on behalf of persons with disabilities, on budgetary allocations to charitable organizations and on the policy of free education and university access for vulnerable sectors of society. 129. Spain welcomed the participation of Equatorial Guinea in the UPR process. 130. The Sudan encouraged the Government to step up its efforts to guarantee free education, and to take further action to protect women against harmful and irresponsible practices and to guarantee fair treatment of women at all levels. 131. The delegation of Equatorial Guinea acknowledged the statements of the Czech Republic, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Ecuador, Egypt, Estonia, Ethiopia, France, Gabon, Germany, Ghana, Guatemala, Indonesia, Iraq, Ireland, Italy, Libya, Madagascar, Malaysia, Mali and Mauritania and took serious note of a number of issues that they had raised . It would transmit their recommendations to the Government and authorities, and steps would be taken. 12