A/HRC/32/16 70. Côte d’Ivoire welcomed the inclusive process to prepare the national report and the attention paid to the recommendations received during the previous cycle. It encouraged Sierra Leone to continue its efforts to guarantee the enjoyment of human rights in its territory. 71. Croatia welcomed the adoption of the free health care initiative for pregnant women, lactating mothers and children. It encouraged Sierra Leone to strengthen its legislative framework to combat torture and ensure adequate legal protection for women against violence. 72. Cuba acknowledged challenges related to the Ebola virus disease and its impact on the promotion and protection of human rights. It noted that significant legislation had been adopted. It urged the international community to support Sierra Leona in its efforts to improve its health system. 73. The Czech Republic appreciated the response of Sierra Leone to the questions it had sent in advance. 74. Denmark noted the acceptance of recommendations made at the first review to ratify the Optional Protocol to the Convention against Torture and that the national report reflected that Sierra Leone was working toward ratification of the Protocol. It requested an elaboration of the status of these efforts. 75. Djibouti appreciated the positive steps taken in the protection of human rights in spite of the Ebola virus disease epidemic. It welcomed institutional and legislative reforms, but expressed concern about high levels of violence against women. 76. Egypt commended efforts made in combating the Ebola virus disease and policies to monitor human trafficking. It also noted the adoption of the national health plan, including the coverage of children under the national health insurance. 77. Ethiopia appreciated the steps taken to implement accepted recommendations from the first review. It noted the constitutional amendments for gender equality, youth development and to address corruption; and the success in combating the Ebola virus disease epidemic. 78. Germany acknowledged the efforts made to improve compliance with international human rights obligations and engagement with related mechanisms, and the strong engagement with the Human Rights Council. Further progress had been hampered because of the Ebola virus disease crisis. 79. Ghana noted the success in combating the Ebola epidemic, which reflects the commitment of Sierra Leone in attaining the highest possible standards of health. It welcomed the implementation of recommendations from the first review and noted that the criminal libel law had yet to be repealed. 80. Honduras paid tribute to Sierra Leone for honouring its commitments under the review process in the aftermath of the Ebola virus disease. It welcomed progress in strengthening democracy through the 2012 elections and noted the “A” status achieved by the national human rights commission. 81. Indonesia welcomed the progress made since the first cycle and noted the commitment to advance the right to education. It encouraged the involvement of civil society as a partner to the Government in protecting human rights. 82. Iraq welcomed efforts made by Sierra Leone to ensure compliance with international human rights treaties despite the challenge, among others, posed by the Ebola virus disease, which constituted a very serious threat to the integrity of the nation. 11