A/HRC/40/12 55. Portugal welcomed the establishment of the National Commission on Human Rights and Fundamental Freedoms and the ratification of the Optional Protocol to the International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights and the Optional Protocol to the Convention on the Rights of the Child on the involvement of children in armed conflict. 56. The Republic of Korea acknowledged the 2016 Constitution, the National Commission on Human Rights and Fundamental Freedoms, the Special Criminal Court and the ratification of a protocol on children’s rights. 57. The Republic of Moldova welcomed the establishment of the Special Criminal Court and the National Commission on Human Rights and Fundamental Freedoms and progress in investigating serious crimes. 58. The Russian Federation noted efforts to rebuild the country, ensure that the judiciary functioned and create a human rights framework. It encouraged promoting human rights education. 59. Rwanda welcomed the ratification of treaties, including the Convention on the Prevention and Punishment of the Crime of Genocide, the establishment of the Special Criminal Court and the adoption of an act on gender parity in employment. Rwanda remained ready to support the peace, security and human rights process. 60. Senegal welcomed the new Constitution and the establishment of the National Commission on Human Rights and Fundamental Freedoms, the Truth, Justice, Reparation and National Reconciliation Commission and the Monitoring Committee for the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination against Women. It invited the international community to support the country. 61. Serbia encouraged the country to continue cooperating with United Nations human rights mechanisms and welcomed action in that regard. 62. Sierra Leone welcomed the 2016 Constitution and the efforts that had been made to combat gender-based violence and forced marriage and build stability. The establishment of the National Commission on Human Rights and Fundamental Freedoms was also welcome. The international community was invited to support the country. 63. Slovenia welcomed the ratification of treaties by the Central African Republic. However, it remained concerned about persisting and unpunished human rights violations, the situation of children, sexual and gender-based violence and harmful traditional practices. 64. South Africa welcomed the establishment of the National Commission on Human Rights and Fundamental Freedoms and the Joint Unit for Rapid Intervention and the Suppression of Sexual Violence against Women and Children. The ratification of the African Charter on Democracy, Elections and Governance was also welcome. 65. Spain was concerned about the serious human rights situation in the country, including the human rights violations by all parties to the ongoing conflict, and the general climate of impunity. It acknowledged the creation of the Joint Unit for Rapid Intervention and the Suppression of Sexual Violence against Women and Children. 66. The Sudan praised the efforts that had been made to overcome the conflict, including the approval of the African initiatives and the ratification of a number of international human rights treaties. 67. Sweden congratulated the Central African Republic on the recent appointment of the Special Prosecutor and several magistrates to its Special Criminal Court and encouraged the country to take further steps to secure financial support for and political commitment to the Court. 68. Togo welcomed the ratification of the African Charter on the Rights and Welfare of the Child and the Convention on the Prevention and Punishment of the Crime of Genocide, the adoption of the 2016 Constitution and the establishment of institutions. It encouraged the country to take further measures to protect vulnerable groups and victims. GE.19-00176 7