A/HRC/37/10 80. The Republic of Korea commended Benin for its 14-point national implementation plan following its second review, and for the adoption of the Children’s Code and of the new Code of Criminal Procedure, guaranteeing the right to a fair trial. 81. The Republic of Moldova welcomed the strengthening of the legal protection of children, the justice system development policy, the action plan against racial discrimination, the adoption of a document on the standard operating procedures to be followed in combating violence against women, the recognition of the competence of the African Court on Human and Peoples’ Rights to receive cases from NGOs and individuals. It asked whether the rights of children to be heard and participate in public life were ensured in the legislation. 82. Rwanda commended the efforts that had been made to improve the social and economic status of the population and to accede to the Convention on the Prevention and Punishment of the Crime of Genocide. It encouraged Benin to remove provisions pertaining to the death penalty from its Criminal Code. 83. Saudi Arabia praised the measures that had been taken by Benin to encourage the employment of young people, especially through programmes carried out by the National Agency for the Promotion of Employment and the facilitation of credit and microcredit. 84. Senegal welcomed the adoption of a national action plan against racial discrimination, the signing of a national charter on social dialogue by the Government, the National Employers Council and trade unions, and the adoption of the Government Action Programme 2016–2021. 85. Sierra Leone commended the adoption of a national action plan against racial discrimination, the Children’s Code and the Government Action Programme 2016–2021. It also commended Benin for hosting the African symposium for human rights defenders in 2017. 86. Slovenia noted with appreciation the adoption of the Children’s Code and a national policy to protect children, and the accession of Benin to the Second Optional Protocol to the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights. It expressed concern at the prevalence of, and impunity for, female genital mutilation and early and forced marriages, especially in rural areas, and at prison overcrowding and the conditions of detention. It encouraged Benin to bring its Criminal Code into line with its international commitments. 87. South Africa welcomed the Constitutional Court’s ruling on the illegality of the death penalty, and commended Benin for the Children’s Code and the promotion of youth employment. It also welcomed the improvement of the screening and care of people living with HIV/AIDS, as well as the setting-up of integrated support centres for victims of gender-based violence. 88. South Sudan commended Benin for ratifying several regional and international legal instruments. It noted with satisfaction that Benin had adopted several laws during its second review, and the incorporation of the Convention on the Rights of the Child into the Children’s Code. 89. Spain welcomed the creation of the Human Rights Commission and the ratification of the Convention of the Rights of Persons with Disabilities and its Optional Protocol. 90. The State of Palestine commended Benin for the adoption of the Children’s Code and echoed the recommendation to adopt a comprehensive strategy with local protection mechanisms accessible to children. It welcomed the acceptance by Benin of the recommendation made during its second review to provide free education. 91. Sudan commended the ratification and/or adoption of several regional and international conventions and strategic plans. It encouraged Benin to improve women and children’s rights and the situation in prisons. It encouraged Benin to take the necessary measures to fight poverty and support social and economic rights. 92. Switzerland welcomed the adoption of the 2015 Children’s Code. However, it noted that numerous challenges persisted in that area. It also noted that the health system was still fragile and that emergency care was not accessible to all. GE.17-23482 9