A/HRC/40/7 and promote violence-free elections. The Independent National Electoral Commission and the National Human Rights Commission were engaging stakeholders on the need to conduct themselves in a peaceful manner before, during and after the elections. 22. The Constitution guaranteed fundamental human rights, including the right to a speedy trial. The Administration of Criminal Justice Act 2015 was effective in ensuring a speedy trial in criminal cases, eradicating prolonged detention of suspects. The Act had entered into force in many states of the Federation. 23. The federal Government had put in place a national working group on human rights treaty reporting, which assisted with reporting to several United Nations treaty monitoring bodies and with monitoring implementation of accepted recommendations. 24. The Constitution prohibited any religion as a State religion. In addition, Nigeria was a signatory to United Nations and African Union human rights instruments that guaranteed freedom of religion and belief. 25. The delegation stated that although challenges remained, Nigeria was determined to meet those challenges to further improve the promotion and protection of human rights. B. Interactive dialogue and responses by the State under review 26. During the interactive dialogue, 118 delegations made statements. Recommendations made during the dialogue are to be found in section II of the present report. 27. The Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela praised Nigeria for its efforts to ensure free secondary level education and for the National Strategic Health Development Plan. 28. Yemen commended Nigeria for its plans to combat extremism and corruption, for promoting human rights and for enabling young people to vote. 29. Zimbabwe noted the increase in the budget of the National Human Rights Commission, the adoption of the Economic Recovery and Growth Plan 2017–2020 and the extension of a standing invitation to the special procedures of the Human Rights Council. 30. Afghanistan noted the civil-military cooperation in the fight against terrorism and insurgency and in the strengthening of internal security. 31. Algeria welcomed the component on respect for human rights in the fight against violence and terrorism. 32. Angola noted the improvement in the living conditions of the population affected by internal security challenges. 33. Argentina congratulated Nigeria on signing the Safe Schools Declaration. 34. Australia welcomed the establishment of the Presidential Investigative Panel and the army-led Special Board of Inquiry. 35. Austria noted that the de facto moratorium on the death penalty had been contravened. It also noted that a large number of human trafficking victims were from Nigeria. 36. Azerbaijan welcomed the establishment of the National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons and the Economic Recovery and Growth Plan 2017–2020. 37. Bahrain commended Nigeria for establishing an interministerial working group to build a database of disappeared persons. 38. Bangladesh welcomed the National Action Plan on Preventing and Countering Violent Extremism, criminal justice reforms and youth participation in the political process. 39. Belarus noted the legislation on prohibiting trafficking in persons and combating torture, and efforts to fight corruption, develop the health and education sectors and reform the judiciary. 4