A/HRC/41/2 being implemented. It also noted that Cyprus partially accepted six of the recommendations involving the ratification or accession to a number of treaties. 794. The Islamic Republic of Iran noted that Cyprus had accepted the two recommendations it had made. It noted that Cyprus had actively participated in the universal periodic review process, which demonstrated its commitment to protect and promote human rights. 795. Iraq commended the acceptance by Cyprus of the two recommendations made by Iraq, including regarding taking the necessary measures to promote the role of the national women’s rights mechanism, and efforts to combat poverty. Iraq commended the acceptance by Cyprus of the majority of the recommendations it had received and expressed the hope that these would be implemented in line with its international obligations. 3. General comments made by other stakeholders 796. During the adoption of the outcome of the review of Cyprus, three other stakeholders made statements. 797. United Nations Watch welcomed progress made by Cyprus towards gender equality. It urged Cyprus to adopt the recommendations on the protection of LGBTI persons from incitement to violence and to take further measures to prevent the exploitation of domestic workers. It recalled that the Committee on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights had expressed its deep concern regarding the massive destruction of cultural heritage sites in the northern part of Cyprus. It regretted that, due to the persistent division of Cyprus, monitoring of and reporting on the human rights situation in the northern part of the island remained limited. It noted that the Government was unable to ensure the application of international human rights instruments in areas not under its effective control. It stated that this meant that the Government was unable to remedy the violations of freedom of speech, freedom of assembly and freedom of the press that were taking place in the northern part of the island. It urged continued dialogue between all parties with the aim of a peaceful settlement that will ensure the full respect of human rights for all. 798. The International Fellowship of Reconciliation drew the attention of the Human Rights Council to the militarisation of the island and stated that some 18,000 Cypriots were on active military service. The total number of troops on the island, including those from other nations, amounted to 56,000 troops. It stated that the conscientious objection provisions in Cyprus were far from perfect. It drew the attention of the Council to paragraph 20 of the report of OHCHR (A/HRC/41/23), noting that it referred to poor information and difficulties of application deadlines. It also noted the punitive length of the service. It encouraged the Government and the de facto authorities in the northern part of the island to avail themselves of the report for the purpose of legislative review. 799. International Humanist and Ethical Union welcomed the enactment of a law on civil partnerships for same sex couples and the amendment to the Criminal Code to tackle hate speech based on gender and sexual orientation. It was pleased that Cyprus had accepted all universal periodic review recommendations on LGBTI and women’s rights issues. However, it drew the Council’s attention to the criminalization of religious insult and recommended that Cyprus amend the Criminal Code to bring it in line with the international and European human rights laws. It also noted that an official school textbook included derogatory mischaracterization of atheist people, and asked the Government to provide information on measures taken on this issue. 125