A/HRC/39/14 occupied territories of Azerbaijan. Azerbaijan hoped that the international community would exert pressure on Armenia to liberate the occupied territories and to bring to justice the perpetrators of war crimes against Azerbaijanis. 27. Azerbaijan further stressed that it was in a particular situation, with 20 per cent of its territories under the occupation of Armenia. Armenia as an aggressor State had to be held accountable for its aggression against Azerbaijan. Azerbaijan was a peace-loving nation and, unlike Armenia, it did not have any territorial claims against any of its neighbours. Azerbaijan would never allow the creation of the second Armenian state in the territory of Azerbaijan. B. Interactive dialogue and responses by the State under review 28. During the interactive dialogue, 105 delegations made statements. Recommendations made during the dialogue are to be found in section II of the present report. 29. The Russian Federation noted efforts to support the independence of the media and to strengthen intercultural dialogue, especially through the Heydar Aliyev Foundation. 30. Rwanda encouraged Azerbaijan to enhance measures and policies to address discrimination on all grounds, including through strengthened implementation of existing legislation. 31. Saudi Arabia commended efforts to improve anti-corruption legislation and to strengthen the work of civil society. 32. Serbia welcomed the National Action Plan for Open Government 2016–2018, and the National Action Plan to Combat Human Trafficking 2014–2018. 33. Singapore welcomed the National Action Plan for Open Government 2016–2018, and the increasing State spending on education and the active promotion of good governance. 34. Slovakia expressed concern about reports of the torture and ill-treatment of journalists and human rights defenders. 35. Slovenia regretted the alleged lack of independence of the Bar Association, and noted reports of harassment and threats against independent lawyers. 36. Spain expressed concern about limitations on the effective enjoyment of freedom of religion for “non-traditional” religious organizations. 37. Sri Lanka welcomed measures related to the right to health, and the steps taken to promote dialogue with civil society. 38. The State of Palestine remained concerned at persisting poverty. It acknowledged measures to protect human rights defenders and journalists. 39. The Sudan welcomed the National Action Plan for Open Government 2016–2018 and anti-corruption legislation. 40. Sweden wished Azerbaijan success in implementing the review recommendations. 41. Switzerland expressed concern about reports of harassment, intimidation and prosecution of opposition representatives, journalists and human rights defenders. 42. Tajikistan made recommendations. 43. Thailand welcomed steps to promote gender equality and efforts to improve prison conditions and the treatment of prisoners. 44. Togo welcomed efforts to strengthen the protection of human rights, particularly through the 2016 constitutional reform. 45. Tunisia welcomed efforts to enhance the legal framework, modernize the prison system and combat human trafficking. 5

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