A/HRC/43/14 B. Interactive dialogue and responses by the State under review 23. During the interactive dialogue, 111 delegations made statements. Recommendations made during the dialogue are to be found in section II of the present report. 24. Portugal welcomed the ratification of human rights instruments, while expressing concern about the continued use of the death penalty. 25. Qatar stated that it valued the legislative, executive and institutional developments and the formulation of national strategies and the national development plan for 2018– 2022. 26. The Republic of Korea commended the State for measures taken to protect displaced persons, while expressing concern about excessive use of force against protesters. 27. The Russian Federation acknowledged the challenge posed by terrorism and commended the State for its legislative reforms. 28. Egypt welcomed efforts to combat poverty and the adoption of laws for persons with disabilities. 29. Senegal commended the State for its efforts to strengthen the framework for the protection of human rights and welcomed the ratification of eight international conventions. 30. Serbia expressed appreciation for the adoption of a number of national strategies and plans and welcomed the development of a human rights institutional framework. 31. Seychelles recognized the adoption of key strategies in areas such as poverty reduction, nutrition and food, and the increase in health facilities. 32. Singapore commended the State for having developed the strategies on poverty reduction and the advancement of women. 33. Slovakia welcomed the positive steps taken and the enactment of several laws to improve the human rights legislative framework. 34. Slovenia stated that it understood the challenges in post-conflict transition and appreciated the substantial reduction in death penalty executions since 2017. 35. South Africa welcomed the adoption of various national strategies and the inclusion of human rights concerns in educational programmes. 36. Spain acknowledged the difficulties that Iraq was experiencing, and reiterated its support to Iraq and to its process of reforms. 37. Sri Lanka welcomed the adoption of several national strategies and related plans and the development of a human rights institutional framework. 38. The State of Palestine noted the State’s efforts to improve domestic legislation and access to education, especially for children in rural areas. 39. The Sudan welcomed legislative measures to improve human rights and the adoption of national strategies. 40. Sweden acknowledged efforts made but called for guarantees to the rights to peaceful assembly and freedom of expression. 41. Switzerland stated that the security situation in Iraq did not justify the serious violations of human rights that had been committed. 42. The Syrian Arab Republic commended the State for having developed national strategies and for encouraging the return of displaced persons. 43. Thailand welcomed efforts to improve prison facilities in compliance with international standards. 44. Timor-Leste welcomed the adoption of national strategies in the areas of poverty reduction, reproductive health and food security. 4