A/HRC/40/12 23. Ethiopia welcomed the ratification of treaties by the Central African Republic and a number of the legislative measures it had taken, including those prohibiting the use of children in armed conflict and reforming the health sector. 24. France highlighted progress on children’s rights and the establishment of the Special Criminal Court. It was concerned about the high level of insecurity. 25. Gabon welcomed the 2016 Constitution and the creation of the Special Criminal Court. However, it encouraged the Central African Republic to redouble its efforts to combat poverty, child labour, forced marriage and sexual violence against women. 26. Georgia welcomed actions taken to implement previous recommendations and the fact that for several years judges had no longer imposed the death penalty in criminal trials; it also welcomed the 2016 Constitution and the establishment of the National Commission on Human Rights and Fundamental Freedoms. 27. Germany commended the Central African Republic for the establishment of institutions for the protection of vulnerable groups. However, it remained concerned about the fact that the death penalty had not been abolished and about the security situation. It urged the Government to step up efforts to prevent attacks on humanitarian actors. 28. Ghana welcomed the adoption of the Poverty Reduction Strategy Paper II (2011– 2015), the National Education Sector Strategy 2008–2020 and the National Social Protection Policy. 29. Honduras welcomed the 2016 Constitution and the ratification of treaties. It expressed concern, however, about the widespread instability and insecurity, which had led to serious and systematic violations by armed groups and the collapse of the State, and about the humanitarian situation. 30. Hungary welcomed the 2016 Constitution and steps taken to prosecute perpetrators of serious human rights violations, in particular the creation of the Special Criminal Court. It was concerned, however, about the widespread instability and insecurity in the country. 31. Iceland expressed concern about the increasing number of rapes, sexual slavery, forced marriage and other forms of violence against women perpetrated by armed groups and civilians. 32. India appreciated the efforts that had been made to prevent violence against women and children, promote the right to education and implement the right to health, including the reduction of maternal and neonatal mortality rates. It welcomed the National Programme to Prevent Parent-to-Child Transmission of HIV/AIDS. 33. Indonesia welcomed the Constitution adopted in 2016, which established numerous institutions for the protection and promotion of human rights, and the country’s engagement with United Nations agencies and other stakeholders. 34. Iraq expressed approval of the ratification of international and regional instruments and the adoption of national legislation and strategies for the promotion and protection of human rights. 35. Ireland expressed concern about reports of harassment and intimidation of journalists and human rights defenders and about sexual and gender-based violence, reports of rape, sexual slavery, forced marriage and abduction of women and girls by armed groups and civilians in particular. 36. Italy welcomed the ratification of several United Nations human rights instruments. 37. Latvia expressed concern about increasing conflict-related sexual violence, as highlighted by the Independent Expert on the situation of human rights in the Central African Republic and the report of the Secretary-General on conflict-related sexual violence. 38. Lesotho applauded the adoption of the Constitution and the national elections held in 2015. It expressed the hope that the establishment of the Truth, Justice, Reparation and National Reconciliation Commission and the Special Criminal Court would contribute to improving the human rights situation. GE.19-00176 5