A/HRC/34/8 89. China commended the adoption of the new Constitution. It welcomed the adoption of policies to promote development. China expressed concern over the economic sanctions that were in place and called upon the international community to assist Zimbabwe with development. 90. The Congo noted that Zimbabwe had consolidated its institutional framework by codifying it in the new Constitution. It commended Zimbabwe for the ratification of relevant international instruments. 91. Costa Rica was concerned about the prevalence of patriarchal attitudes and practices that violate the rights of women, the existence of discrimination and the lack of access to education and health services. 92. Cuba stated that, despite the human rights challenges that had been worsened by the unilateral coercive measures imposed on the country, Zimbabwe had made significant progress with, among other things, the adoption of the Constitution. 93. Czechia expressed its appreciation for the informative presentation, which included responses to some of the questions transmitted in advance of the review. 94. The Democratic People’s Republic of Korea requested to know about the impact of economic sanctions on the enjoyment of human rights, particularly in the field of public health. 95. Norway welcomed the presentation by Zimbabwe of its national report. It noted with concern the high number of arrests of human rights defenders and peaceful protesters and the continued restrictions on freedom of expression. 96. Djibouti noted the measures taken since the previous review, particularly the ratification of human rights treaties. It welcomed the adoption of the new Constitution. 97. Ecuador expressed the hope that the adoption and implementation of the 2013 Constitution and of updated laws, as well as the establishment of relevant national institutions, would strengthen democracy and the human rights system. 98. Egypt acknowledged the enactment of the 2013 Constitution, which contained safeguards for human rights. It commended the establishment of institutions and frameworks to protect human rights. 99. Ethiopia commended the wider institutional infrastructure and the policy measures taken to protect human rights. It welcomed the launch of the Zimbabwe Agenda for Sustainable Socioeconomic Transformation Plan for the period 2013-2018. 100. France welcomed the measures taken since the first review, especially the adoption of the Constitution, which enshrined fundamental freedoms, and the ratification of the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities. 101. Germany expressed concern about the fact that many laws had not yet been aligned with the new Constitution and that, in practice, human rights were repeatedly violated by State officials and security forces. 102. Ghana commended Zimbabwe for establishing the Constitutional Court, the National Prosecuting Authority of Zimbabwe, the Zimbabwe Gender Commission and the National Peace and Reconciliation Commission through the adoption of its 2013 Constitution. 103. Guatemala recognized the efforts made by Zimbabwe to promote and protect human rights and its establishment of the Zimbabwe Human Rights Commission. It was concerned that the latter lacked sufficient human and financial resources. 10