A/HRC/18/6 children’s participation in the education system. Slovenia expressed concern about discrimination and violence against women, including FGM. It made recommendations. 54. Egypt noted the prolonged conflict’s impact on Somalia and expressed hope that all parties would work together to re-establish stability, as envisaged in the agreement reached at the Istanbul Conference in May 2010, and the Djibouti Peace Agreement. Egypt expressed appreciation for the Government’s announcement that it would consider acceding to international human rights agreements. It emphasized the importance of international assistance and made recommendations. 55. Azerbaijan noted Somalia’s efforts to build its capacity and ensure basic services. It took note of Somalia’s intention to ratify a number of international instruments, including the CRC. Azerbaijan stated that the international community’s assistance was important to overcome Somalia’s institutional and operational challenges. It welcomed Somalia’s commitment to eradicate the recruitment of child soldiers. It made recommendations. 56. Indonesia commended Somalia’s continued cooperation with United Nations human rights mechanisms, including the visits of the independent expert on the situation of human rights in Somalia. It noted the challenges facing Somalia after a protracted civil war and made recommendations. 57. Germany commended Somalia’s achievements in human rights, including the drafting of the Constitution in 2010. Germany asked for information about the position of the TFG on female genital mutilation. It noted that gender-based violence remained an issue of concern and that rule of law remained fragile. Germany made recommendations. 58. Yemen noted that women’s position in Somalia was reflected in the fact that the delegation was headed by a woman. It emphasized the importance of implementing the resolutions adopted by the Human Rights Council on Somalia. Yemen inquired about Government efforts, in cooperation with the international community, to reduce the number of refugees fleeing to neighbouring countries, such as Yemen. It made recommendations. 59. Palestine noted Government efforts to protect human rights and make them the cornerstone of Somalia’s transition, including through training and awareness-raising. In this regard, Palestine asked OHCHR about the reasons for the non-implementation of the four resolutions adopted by the Human Rights Council on Somalia, and encouraged further efforts. It urged the international community to provide financial assistance for envisaged activities to improve the situation in Somalia. 60. Portugal welcomed TFG efforts in implementing a State-building process but expressed deep concern over gross human rights violations in Somalia, including violation of the right to life in Al-Shabaab controlled territories. It asked about TFG plans in this regard. It made recommendations. 61. Uruguay noted the complexity of Somalia’s situation and reiterated the importance of international cooperation in support of national efforts to advance the peace process, political transition and national reconciliation as a basis for socio-economic development. It expressed concern over the situation of children and women and made recommendations. 62. Denmark expressed concern about violations of international humanitarian and human rights law in southern and central Somalia, while acknowledging the difficulties faced by Somalia in addressing this problem. It was also concerned that the parties to the conflict had systematically prevented journalists from carrying out their work and that many journalists had been forced into exile due to the threat of human rights abuses. Denmark made recommendations. 63. Mexico recognized Somalia’s challenges and welcomed its efforts in this regard including the will to consolidate State institutions and to finalize consultations to adopt a 9