A/HRC/32/16 58. Benin welcomed the reform of the justice system and the measures taken to eliminate female genital mutilation, including related agreements with traditional chiefs. It appreciated the efforts of Sierra Leone regarding maternal mortality. 59. While acknowledging legislative reforms undertaken by Sierra Leone, Botswana remained concerned at the prevalence of female genital mutilation, domestic and sexual violence and the low conviction rate on cases reported. It was also concerned at the lack of independence of the judiciary. 60. Burkina Faso noted that the Ebola virus disease had compromised development initiatives. It welcomed the constitutional review to strengthen the rule of law and exhorted Sierra Leone to intensify its efforts to eliminate female genital mutilation, child labour and early and forced marriage. 61. Burundi congratulated Sierra Leone for its efforts to implement the recommendations from the previous cycle despite challenges related to the Ebola virus disease. It welcomed the establishment of a national human rights commission. It noted legislative and institutional measures undertaken. 62. Cabo Verde acknowledged the challenges related to the Ebola virus disease. It welcomed the constitutional review, the establishment of a national human rights commission, the reform of the judicial system and the national plans on gender equality. It noted that harmful traditional practices should end. 63. Canada commended Sierra Leone for its sponsorship of Human Rights Council resolution 27/31 on the protection of civil society space. It acknowledged the steps taken to implement the strategy entitled “Let girls be girls not mothers”. Canada stressed the importance of protecting girls’ right to education and privacy rights. 64. Chad welcomed the efforts of Sierra Leone to protect human rights despite the Ebola virus disease epidemic. It appreciated that the preparation of the national report had been participative. Chad encouraged Sierra Leone to submit its overdue reports to treaty bodies. 65. Chile acknowledged the efforts of Sierra Leone to combat the Ebola virus disease. It appreciated the establishment of a national human rights institution, the national strategic plan on gender, the plan on health and social security and the programme on prosperity, among others. 66. China appreciated the strategy of Sierra Leone to reduce poverty. It acknowledged progress in promoting the rights of women, children and persons with disabilities, the right to health and development. China called upon the international community to continue assisting Sierra Leone in its efforts. 67. Colombia appreciated that the Constitutional Review Committee had been considering to incorporate recommendations of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission. It acknowledged efforts to combat the Ebola virus disease and related challenges, and welcomed the adoption of the Law on HIV/AIDS of 2011, which included provisions against discrimination. 68. The Congo acknowledged the efforts of Sierra Leone to implement the recommendations from the previous cycle, despite the Ebola virus disease crisis, and progress regarding its obligations under international instruments. It encouraged legislative reforms in the areas of persons with disabilities, children and the age of marriage. 69. Costa Rica acknowledged strategic plans to improve prison conditions and the judicial system, to fight against female genital mutilation and to reduce teenage pregnancy. It was concerned at allegations of arbitrary detention and excessive use of prison for minor offences, and at the lack of independence of the judiciary. 10