A/HRC/45/49 about the universal periodic review recommendations. Further capacity-building activities in aid of the commission took place in November 2019 and in February and May 2020. For example, in May 2020, the Joint Office made available to the Commission documents and a discussion paper on the proposed bill on the protection of persons with disabilities and the proposed bill on the protection of pygmy indigenous peoples currently before Parliament. 65. A national committee for the prevention of torture was established on 7 November 2019 by ministerial order, which is a positive development. However, this committee will have to comply with the guidelines on national preventive mechanisms of the Subcommittee on Prevention of Torture and Other Cruel, Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment with respect to the committee’s functioning and guarantees of independence. 66. On 20 August 2019, the Government established a ministry attached to the Ministry of Social Affairs with responsibility for persons with disabilities and other vulnerable persons. The Joint Office has undertaken to support this ministry in drafting a five-year national strategic plan and a bill on the protection of persons with disabilities and developing relations with United Nations treaty bodies and special procedures mandate holders. The Joint Office’s support also included funding for some outreach activities, such as White Cane Day and the International Day of Persons with Disabilities. IV. Conclusions and recommendations A. Conclusions 67. During the reporting period, the human rights situation in the Democratic Republic of the Congo deteriorated, in particular as a result of increased attacks by armed groups in the conflict-affected provinces, which led to a high number of human rights violations and abuses, including sexual violence. The opening of democratic space has led to a decrease in violations of civil and political rights, but restrictions on the exercise of fundamental freedoms persist, including the unjustified and disproportionate use of force to suppress demonstrations, as well as arbitrary arrests and detentions and threats and attacks against journalists and members of civil society. 68. In order to put an end to the cycles of violence, do justice to the victims of violations and ensure greater protection of human rights, it is crucial to support efforts to combat impunity, strengthen national mechanisms for the protection and promotion of human rights, and develop transitional justice initiatives and actions aimed at improving economic, social and cultural rights, which the COVID-19 pandemic has further highlighted. B. Recommendations 69. The High Commissioner recommends that the Government of the Democratic Republic of the Congo: (a) Continue the opening up of democratic space, and guarantee the protection of the rights and freedoms of all, including political opponents, journalists, human rights defenders and other civil society actors; (b) Prosecute the perpetrators of serious human rights violations committed during the violent repression of the demonstrations related to the electoral context in 2016, 2017 and 2018 and events involving members of the Bundu Dia Kongo movement in Kinshasa and Kongo Central from 30 March to 22 April 2020; (c) Enact the law establishing measures to uphold freedom of demonstration in accordance with the Constitution and the international obligations of the Democratic Republic of the Congo; (d) Ensure that the bill on the protection and accountability of human rights defenders and the bill on the general provisions applicable to non-profit associations and public service institutions fully guarantee the rights of all persons to the protection 12 GE.20-11014