A/HRC/19/16 86. Chile acknowledged the commitment by Uganda to implement its plan of action regarding children in armed conflict. It congratulated Uganda for the “A” status of its national commission of human rights. It expressed concern at information on restrictions on freedom of expression and assembly and inquired as to the position of Uganda in that regard. Chile made recommendations. 87. Ghana acknowledged both the commitment of and the concerted efforts by the Government to honour its human rights obligations. It commended Uganda for adopting the National Action Plan on Women. Ghana welcomed the Government‟s adoption of a recommendation for a national action plan to be developed as a part of a follow-up mechanism. Ghana made recommendations. 88. Japan welcomed the ratification by Uganda of a range of international human rights instruments and the active role that the Uganda Human Rights Commission had been playing. It was concerned about civilian casualties resulting from the State‟s response to the “Walk to Work” protests and the ill-treatment of opposition politicians. It noted the challenges in social reconstruction following civil war. Japan made recommendations. 89. The Netherlands noted discrimination and violence based on sexual orientation or gender identity in Uganda and that the same-sex relations and marriages were prohibited by law. It was concerned at reports on pastoralism, regarding security and rights to education, food, land and natural resources. The Netherlands noted that human rights defenders and lawyers were subject to harassment and violence. The Netherlands made recommendations. 90. Latvia noted with appreciation the State‟s openness and willingness to cooperate with special procedures mandate holders, several of whom had visited Uganda during recent years. Latvia made recommendations. 91. Mexico acknowledged the openness of Uganda regarding the international community. It encouraged Uganda to continue working to promote and protect women‟s rights, the right to education and the eradication of the death penalty. Mexico asked what measures Uganda was taking to prevent FGM. Mexico made recommendations. 92. The United States of America applauded the work of the Uganda Human Rights Commission; however, it noted with concern the use of excessive force by security forces, undeclared detention facilities known as “safe houses”, and torture, as well as the Electoral Commission‟s lack of independence and failure to protect the rights of minority groups, in particular LGBT persons. It made recommendations. 93. Slovakia commended Uganda for the accreditation of its Human Rights Commission with “A” status by the International Coordinating Committee of National Human Rights Institutions. Slovakia also took positive note of the support extended by Uganda to the OHCHR country office. Slovakia acknowledged the Government‟s commitment to implementing the provisions of the action plan regarding children associated with armed forces. Slovakia made recommendations. 94. Burundi noted that the national report had been prepared in collaboration with public authorities, civil society organizations, NGOs, the private sector, and the Uganda Human Rights Commission. Burundi welcomed the establishment of the different human rights institutions. It encouraged Uganda in its efforts on health and education issues. 95. Romania stated that the various programmes implemented by Uganda aimed at lifting people out of poverty and the measures put in place in the health system were an example to be followed by other countries in the region. It noted, however, that no comprehensive protection framework for children‟s rights was in place and asked about the State‟s strategy to deal with those issues. It made recommendations. 12