A/HRC/41/2 community and the United Nations agencies, as a significant source of building national capacity in the area of human rights. 2. General comments made by the national human rights institution of the State under review 448. Afghanistan Independent Human Rights Commission (by video message) stated that it witnessed progress in the promotion and protection of human rights, including reform of laws, the fight against torture, realization of political, civil, economic and social rights. It noted that the continuation of conflict, insecurity and acts of terrorism was a major threat to this success and in fact continued to cause violations of human rights, unfortunately without accountability and justice. It reported on the increased level of attacks, including by Taliban and other groups, on civilians, civilian places, mosques and religious minority groups. It called on all parties to the conflict to respect international humanitarian law and protect civilians and end impunity. It was concerned with violence against women, and children, poverty and lack of job opportunity for youths. It called for a free and fair presidential election. It called for additional technical, financial and political support to facilitate peace with justice. 3. Views expressed by Member and observer States of the Council on the outcome of the review 449. During the adoption of the outcome of the review of Afghanistan, 12 delegations made statements.** 450. Sri Lanka commended the continued efforts of Afghanistan to carry out the national plan on women, peace and security, resulting in an increase in women’s representation in public institutions. It positively noted a 27 per cent rise in women’s inclusion in the labour force. It welcomed the establishment of the position of a Deputy Attorney General for the Elimination of Violence against Women and Children. It appreciated efforts taken for implementing a policy of zero tolerance on child recruitment in its defence and security forces and its efforts to combat child labour. It encouraged all efforts by the Government on the implementation for robust public health policy. 451. The Sudan commended Afghanistan for its positive participation in the universal periodic review and for taking many measures since the last review to promote and protect human rights. It also commended Afghanistan for accepting the majority of the recommendations and urged them to consider the recommendations that the Sudan made to them. 452. Tunisia commended Afghanistan for its constructive and positive participation in the Working Group on the Universal Periodic Review and engagement with Member States and for accepting 91 per cent of the universal periodic review recommendations, including those presented to them by Tunisia. It emphasised the importance of strengthening and supporting the legislative and institutional framework for human rights. 453. UN Women noted that Afghanistan has made important gains in women’s human rights with the introduction of new legislation, such as the Law on the Elimination of Violence against Women, and the increasing women’s political participation through the ** The statements of the delegations that were unable to deliver them owing to time constraints which were made available are posted on the extranet of the Human Rights Council, at https://extranet.ohchr.org/sites/hrc/HRCSessions/RegularSessions/41Session/Pages/default.aspx 77