A/HRC/40/7 61. In response to comments and questions, the delegation of Nigeria stated that, in cases of alleged human rights violations by the security forces, investigative panels had been established. Once the reports of those panels had been published, the recommendations they contained would be implemented. The Government was committed to respecting the moratorium on the death penalty that had been put in place. An inclusive economic policy was being vigorously implemented. Nigeria had recently been reviewed by the Committee on the Elimination of Discrimination against Women and had made significant progress in ensuring equality for women and girls. The Constitution and laws did not permit discrimination. Nigeria was committed to democracy and intended to hold free and fair elections, free of violence. The majority of Nigerians objected to same-sex relationships because of their deep religious, cultural and moral orientation. However, there was no policy or practice of witch-hunting people based on their sexual orientation. Education was compulsory and parents would be committing a crime if they did not send their children to school. Nigeria was committed to ending traditional practices that were harmful to girls. The finances and budget of the National Human Rights Commission had been improved and its independence enhanced. Efforts had been made to empower women economically through the granting of loans for entrepreneurial purposes. The Constitution guaranteed the independence of the judiciary, which was also effective and impartial. 62. The Democratic People’s Republic of Korea welcomed the efforts of Nigeria and the significant progress it had made since 2013 in the promotion of human rights. 63. The Democratic Republic of the Congo commended the excellent work done by Nigeria to promote and protect human rights, especially for vulnerable groups. 64. Denmark commended the adoption of the 2015 Violence against Persons (Prohibition) Act and the fact that no death sentence has been carried out since 2016. 65. Djibouti welcomed the reform of the administration of justice, the law on the prohibition of discrimination based on HIV and the law prohibiting torture. 66. Egypt commended Nigeria for the content of its national report and its efforts to uphold and respect human rights through fighting terrorism. 67. Estonia welcomed the legislative steps taken by Nigeria to combat violence against children and women, and its standing invitation to the special procedures. 68. Ethiopia commended the progress made by Nigeria since the previous review in terms of implementing recommendations and developing the Economic Recovery and Growth Plan. 69. Fiji commended Nigeria for the development of its Economic Recovery and Growth Plan and for ratifying the Paris Agreement. 70. Finland stated that implementing its recommendations would have a positive impact on the lives of people in vulnerable situations and enable socioeconomic development. 71. France commended the creation of a commission to investigate allegations of human rights violations by the armed forces and the strengthening of the fight against corruption. 72. Gabon welcomed the adoption of legislation prohibiting all forms of violence, the revision of the human trafficking legislation and efforts favouring the most vulnerable. 73. Georgia welcomed the enactment of the Violence against Persons (Prohibition) Act 2015 and the Anti-Torture Act 2017. It encouraged Nigeria to finalize the National Action Plan for the Promotion and Protection of Human Rights 2017–2022. 74. Germany commended Nigeria for its efforts to investigate abuses allegedly committed by security forces and welcomed the trials of Boko Haram suspects. 75. Ghana welcomed the establishment of a national anti-human trafficking agency and the human rights-based initiatives to combat terrorism and insurgency. 76. Greece noted the enactment of the Anti-Torture Act, the passage of the Violence against Persons (Prohibition) Bill at the federal level and the commitment of Nigeria to the International Criminal Court. 6