A/HRC/33/8 23. Foreign debt has exacerbated poverty and adversely affected human rights. Although the Sudan has fulfilled all the conditions and qualified for exemption under the Heavily Indebted Poor Countries Initiative, unfair political considerations have delayed the exemption decision. 24. Armed conflicts supported by some members of the international community have created another major challenge. The Government was striving for peace through negotiations. The fully implemented Doha Document for Peace in Darfur, the Eastern Sudan Peace Agreement and the Roadmap signed with the African Union High-level Panel on Darfur are indicative of such efforts, but have been refused by the rebels. 25. The Sudan agreed to facilitate access to humanitarian aid by affected persons in accordance with a tripartite agreement between the Government, the United Nations and the League of Arab States, but that was rejected by the armed groups. It called on some States that were hosting armed groups to urge them to join the peace and dialogue process. B. Interactive dialogue and responses by the State under review 26. During the interactive dialogue, 102 delegations made statements. Recommendations made during the dialogue are to be found in section II of the present report. 27. Spain highlighted the reform of article 149 of the Penal Code, which must be put into practice, and was concerned about the immunities that the security forces enjoyed. 28. Sri Lanka noted the efforts at the institutional and legislative levels to ensure the protection of human rights, including the National Human Rights Commission and the National Action Plan on Human Rights. 29. The State of Palestine welcomed the efforts to promote and protect human rights, despite the difficulties, through the ratification of human rights instruments and educationrelated measures. 30. Sweden noted the challenges relating to access to justice for women who continued to be subjected to sexual and gender-based violence, particularly in conflict areas. 31. Italy welcomed the measures to combat trafficking in persons and the establishment of committees to study the possibility of acceding to international treaties. 32. Tajikistan welcomed the adoption of the National Action Plan on Human Rights, the legislative improvements and the efforts to conserve cultural heritage. 33. Thailand encouraged the strengthening of the education plan and urged cooperation with the international community to enhance access to humanitarian assistance for internally displaced persons. 34. Timor-Leste welcomed the establishment of the National Human Rights Commission. 35. Togo welcomed the adoption of the National Action Plan on Human Rights and the law to combat human trafficking. 36. Turkey welcomed the achievements regarding the rights to education, the efforts regarding the right to health and the national reconciliation process. 37. Uganda noted the legislative achievements, including the Human Trafficking Act, as well as the challenges faced, including foreign debt and armed conflict. 6 GE.16-11829