A/HRC/33/8 74. Denmark welcomed the National Human Rights Commission and urged the Sudan to ensure its independence. It noted the need for dialogue among all parties in conflict and the discrimination against women. 75. Egypt welcomed the establishment of the national commission to follow up the recommendations of the universal periodic review and the adoption of human rightssensitive laws. 76. El Salvador noted the efforts to implement the recommendations of the review and the persistence of challenges. 77. Equatorial Guinea congratulated the Sudan on its legislative measures and the establishment of the National Human Rights Commission. 78. Ethiopia welcomed the legislative measures and noted the commitment to establishing the National Action Plan on Human Rights. 79. France welcomed the delegation and made recommendations. 80. Georgia urged the introduction of amendments to the national legislation to ensure the protection of human rights, including the rights of vulnerable groups and the issuing of a standing invitation to special procedure mandate holders. 81. Germany was concerned that the participation of civil society was obstructed during the pre-session period of the review and that the first cycle recommendations had not been implemented. It commended the concessions made during the peace negotiations. 82. On the issue of immunities for members of the security services, the Sudan explained that those immunities were procedural, not legal, measures, which could be lifted if a person was accused of a criminal offence. This has been proven by the courts, which have handed down decisions in many cases. 83. Concerning internally displaced persons, 90 per cent of the area was accessible for humanitarian aid, the remaining 10 per cent was hindered by the security situation resulting from ongoing fighting. Over 60 foreign organizations worked in Darfur implementing 168 projects at a cost of $160 million. The Government continued engagement with humanitarian work partners to provide aid and services to internally displaced persons in camps and settlements in Darfur, South Kordofan and Blue Nile. 84. On women’s rights and equality, the delegation reaffirmed that the Constitution did not allow for any form of discrimination. Women received equal pay and had equal rights to own property and equal access to education and health. 85. The Sudan emphasized that a zero-tolerance policy on violence against women had been adopted, containing several pillars on, inter alia, establishing institutions charged with coordinating efforts to combating violence against women, facilitating access to justice, appointing female police staff, establishing specialized prosecution offices and launching social outreach campaigns. Concerning allegations of mass rape, the authorities have provided accessible modalities for the protection of women and such allegations have been investigated accordingly by female police officers. Legal aid and psychosocial support have also been provided. 86. Ghana welcomed the legislative measures taken. It noted, however, that a number of core international human rights instruments had not been ratified. 87. Greece welcomed the initiatives to establish various institutions. It expressed concern for human rights violations by the State and armed groups and the restrictions imposed on human rights. GE.16-11829 9