A/HRC/34/8 56. Spain highlighted the importance of implementing the Domestic Violence Act and regretted the temporary suspension of the right to demonstrate, which was recognized in section 59 of the 2013 Constitution. 57. The Sudan commended Zimbabwe for its positive engagement with the universal periodic review and appreciated the positive steps taken since the previous review, despite the economic challenges caused by the economic sanctions imposed by some Western countries. 58. Swaziland commended Zimbabwe for strengthening and, where necessary, creating the institutions to implement the recommendations received in 2011. It also congratulated Zimbabwe for outlawing child marriage. 59. Sweden thanked Zimbabwe for replying to the questions it had transmitted in advance of the review. It noted that the alignment of national laws with the new Constitution had been slow and, in parts, unsystematic. 60. Switzerland stated that the implementation of the new Constitution was of particular importance in the light of violations of the rights to freedom of expression, association and peaceful assembly. 61. The Syrian Arab Republic welcomed the commitment by the Government to accord priority at the policy level to the development of human rights. 62. Thailand welcomed the adoption of the 2013 Constitution and the ratification of several human rights treaties, including the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities. 63. The former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia asked for an update on measures taken to ratify the Convention against Torture. 64. Timor-Leste welcomed the enactment of the Sexual Offences Act, the constitutional provision establishing the age of majority at 18 years and the prohibition of forced marriages. 65. Togo welcomed the creation of new institutions, including the Constitutional Court, the National Prosecuting Authority of Zimbabwe, the Zimbabwe Gender Commission and the National Peace and Reconciliation Commission. 66. Tunisia welcomed the measures taken to promote human rights, particularly the ratification of international human rights instruments, and the steps taken to implement recommendations from the first cycle of the universal periodic review. 67. Turkey appreciated the legislative improvements in protecting human rights. It welcomed the adoption of policies on gender and children and of the Zimbabwe Gender Commission Act. 68. Uganda urged the unconditional lifting of the damaging economic sanctions. It noted that Zimbabwe was experiencing food insecurity but lacked capacity in social protection. 69. Ukraine was concerned about the use of excessive force against peaceful demonstrators and regretted that the Zimbabwe Gender Commission and the National Peace and Reconciliation Commission were not operational. 70. The United Kingdom called for an investigation into concerns regarding political violence and the partisan distribution of food aid, and for the prosecution of alleged perpetrators. 71. The United Republic of Tanzania commended achievements, notably the adoption of the new Constitution and the establishment of the Constitutional Court and of a number of commissions. 8

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