A/HRC/41/5 terrorism. The State would be taking further steps to improve security and to end conflict, including through the peace process. B. Interactive dialogue and responses by the State under review 19. During the interactive dialogue, 94 delegations made statements. Recommendations made during the dialogue are to be found in section II of the present report. 20. Sweden acknowledged the State’s commitment to human rights, commended its ratifications and adoption of legislation, yet remained concerned about the human rights situation. 21. Switzerland welcomed the ratification of the Optional Protocol to the Convention against Torture, and noted that, despite some progress, women and girls continued to be victims of discrimination, domestic violence and forced marriage. 22. Thailand applauded the efforts made to pursue peace, and welcomed the State’s legal reforms, its strengthening of human rights structures and the promotion of education. 23. Tunisia welcomed the strengthening of the human rights legislative framework and the promotion of the Afghanistan Independent Human Rights Commission and the laws on combating terrorism. 24. Turkey acknowledged the challenges resulting from conflict and terrorism, and the State’s perseverance with its human rights achievements, while providing electoral security and pursuing reconciliation with the Taliban. 25. Turkmenistan welcomed the eight development councils, particularly the rule of law and the anti-corruption council aimed at strengthening the judicial system. 26. Ukraine acknowledged the reform of the Penal Code and the adoption of legislation on the prevention of torture. 27. The United Arab Emirates appreciated the fact that the State considered free education a constitutional right, its focus on awareness-raising initiatives for girls’ education and its efforts to increase literacy. 28. The United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland welcomed the passing of laws on combating violence against women and the growth of independent media. It considered the protection of minorities, the safety of journalists and civilian casualties to be critical issues. 29. The United States of America urged the implementation of the Penal Code, while expressing its concern at sexual abuse by the Afghan National Security Forces and at women’s access to justice, as the widespread use of mediation in cases of violence against women and girls and forced marriage had led to impunity, undermining the criminal justice system, and increasing violence against journalists. 30. Uruguay welcomed the ratification of human rights instruments, especially the Optional Protocol to the Convention against Torture, and urged the State to ratify additional instruments. It was concerned about violations of women’s rights. 31. Uzbekistan was pleased that the State had ratified the Optional Protocol to the Convention against Torture and the Convention for the Protection of Cultural Property in the Event of Armed Conflict, and had incorporated provisions of human rights instruments into national legislation. 32. The Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela noted the impact of invasion, and called for an end to violence and for lasting peace. It acknowledged the impetus given to the right to health. 33. Yemen commended the actions taken to modernize human rights laws, the ratification of the Optional Protocol to the Convention against Torture and the training programmes for law enforcement and the judiciary, despite challenges. 4