A/HRC/37/10 B. Interactive dialogue and responses by the State under review 15. During the interactive dialogue, 82 delegations made statements. Recommendations made during the dialogue are to be found in section II of the present report. 16. Bangladesh welcomed the establishment of the Human Rights Commission and the national authority to combat corruption. It noted that the Children’s Code incorporated the provisions of the Convention on the Rights of the Child. Bangladesh congratulated Benin for having made education accessible for all children and introduced a national fund for youth employment. 17. Belgium welcomed the adoption of the Children’s Code in 2015. It commended the comprehensive legal framework to combat impunity and measures to respect the rights of women. However, it noted the lack of significant impact that the latter had had with regard to the situation of women. 18. Botswana commended Benin for the adoption of the Children’s Code, the Electoral Code and a decree on the establishment of powers and functions of the national institute for women. It commended the cooperation of Benin with the treaty bodies and human rights mechanisms. 19. China welcomed the adoption of laws to promote and protect the rights of children and people with disabilities. It praised the national plans formulated to combat racial discrimination and improve health care. It noted the efforts of Benin to eliminate poverty, reduce hunger, provide access to drinking water and promote youth employment. 20. Bulgaria commended the enactment of the Children’s Code and the policy on free education. It welcomed the efforts of Benin to fulfil its obligations following the ratification of the Second Optional Protocol to the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, aiming at the abolition of the death penalty and the enactment of the new Criminal Code, providing for the abolition of the death penalty. 21. Burkina Faso congratulated Benin for the regulatory legislative measures it had taken since its second review. It regretted, however, the high rate of maternal mortality, harmful practices, in particular female genital mutilation, and child and forced marriages. It urged Benin to adopt the law recognizing the same rights for all children. It invited the international community to support Benin in its efforts. 22. Burundi congratulated Benin for the adoption of its Government Action Programme 2016–2021. It welcomed the adoption of a law to promote and protect persons with disabilities, the drafting of a national action plan to combat racial discrimination and the adoption of a national policy on justice. Burundi acknowledged the efforts of Benin in the area of justice and the incorporation of international treaties in national law. 23. Cabo Verde welcomed the ratification by Benin of the Convention on Protection of Children and Cooperation in respect of Intercountry Adoption and the Protocol to the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights on the Rights of Women in Africa. It encouraged Benin to share the results of the implementation of its national action plan to eliminate the worst forms of child labour. 24. Canada commended the adoption of the Children’s Code in 2015, establishing a legal framework to protect children against sexual exploitation, and encouraged its effective implementation. However, Canada remained concerned that violations of those rights, particularly regarding freedom of expression and assembly, persisted. 25. The Central African Republic congratulated Benin for its broad consultations with civil society while drafting its national report for the universal periodic review and welcomed the adoption of several legal instruments strengthening the promotion and protection of human rights. 26. Chad praised the 2014 national action plan against racism and racial discrimination, xenophobia and intolerance. It noted with satisfaction the Government Action Programme 2016–2021, the adoption of the Children’s Code and the law to prevent and prohibit domestic violence. 4 GE.17-23482

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