A/HRC/41/5 34. Albania welcomed the efforts made to improve women’s participation in governance and decision-making processes at various levels, and the ratification of the Optional Protocol to the Convention against Torture. 35. Algeria was pleased that Afghanistan had continued to implement its national action plan for women, peace and security, despite its limited financial resources. 36. Angola made recommendations to encourage more action to promote and protect human rights. 37. Argentina welcomed the ratification of the Optional Protocol to the Convention against Torture and of the Convention for the Protection of Cultural Property in the Event of Armed Conflict, and the visit of the Special Representative of the Secretary-General for Children and Armed Conflict. 38. Australia was encouraged by the peace talks, although concerned about the large number of civilian casualties. It acknowledged the progress made in strengthening women’s rights. 39. Austria appreciated the efforts made to improve the human rights situation and to implement previous review recommendations, noting that many challenges remained. 40. Azerbaijan welcomed the legal changes and steps taken to protect the rights of internally displaced persons, and that the State provided effective mechanisms to address their needs. It urged the international community to provide assistance. 41. Bahrain welcomed the adaptation of many laws, despite the difficult circumstances, and noted the incorporation of human rights in education curricula. 42. Bangladesh commended the extensive legal and policy reforms undertaken pursuant to the recommendations made during the second cycle, and the achievements in women’s rights. 43. Belarus welcomed the efforts made to improve the institutional and legislative framework, the reform of the criminal justice system and training on human rights for law enforcement officials. 44. Belgium congratulated Afghanistan on having adopted its first national action plan on women, peace and security, and on publicizing its financial contribution to the country office of the United Nations Entity for Gender Equality and the Empowerment of Women (UN-Women). 45. Bhutan commended the establishment of the council for the rule of law and anticorruption under the supervision of the President. 46. The Plurinational State of Bolivia welcomed the process undertaken to expand the range of legal reforms, including the ratification of instruments. 47. Bulgaria encouraged the State to take more tangible measures to eliminate violence against women and girls and to improve access to education and work. It appreciated the commitment to combating trafficking. 48. Canada welcomed the progress made in protecting women rights, and urged the State to implement legislation through public education, the training of officials and ensuring access to justice. 49. Chile commended the legal reforms to criminalize torture and crimes against humanity, the prohibition of harassment against women and the ratification of the Optional Protocol to the Convention against Torture. 50. Afghanistan emphasized that the National Defence and Security Forces were committed to respecting and protecting human rights. Military operations were not conducted if the risk of harming the civilian population or property was high. Furthermore, technical devices, including recorders, had been introduced for military personnel to avoid misconduct. National Directorate of Security personnel had been undergoing training on human rights and international humanitarian law, which was also a part of the curriculum at the National Directorate of Security Academy. 5