A/HRC/12/2 page 8 29. The Congo applauded progress, especially the return to peace. It encouraged the State in its efforts to create a society more respectful of human rights. It noted remarkable efforts, despite difficulties, to promote the rights of women, children, minorities, persons with disabilities and senior citizens. It cited the establishment of a follow-up committee and the implementation of CEDAW. It recommended continuing efforts to put a halt to banditry and help alleviate the suffering of its people by reforming its security services, and that the international community provide the necessary technical and financial assistance so that efforts undertaken for good governance are not compromised. 30. Slovenia, welcoming the priority given to children, was concerned by the reported lack of protection from violence, especially regarding sexual violence, genital mutilation, recruitment by armed forces and groups and accusations of witchcraft. Slovenia recommended taking appropriate action to adopt and amend domestic legislation, including the Penal Code, and effectively implementing that legislation to protect children from all forms of violence. Slovenia enquired about action to prevent violence and discrimination against women and girls and to criminalize genital mutilation. It recommended taking all appropriate action to end the impunity of perpetrators of human rights crimes and cooperate with the International Criminal Court in that regard. 31. Azerbaijan recommended accession to ICCPR-OP 2 and CAT. Citing the fighting between armed forces and rebels and the activities of illegal groups like “zaraguinas”, it recommended continuing to fight firmly against arbitrary executions and impunity, assuring the protection of the civilian population and promoting the return of refugees and displaced persons to their regions of origin. It called for active cooperation with United Nations special procedures. It recommended continuing to put in place effective strategies to reduce poverty, particularly in rural areas. Noting the low level of education of children and the illiteracy rates, it recommended implementing measures necessary to change the landscape in this area and promoting the reintegration of child soldiers in society. It encouraged continuation of efforts to combat violence against women and to eradicate negative traditions. 32. Turkey considered the new policy promoting gender equality as a significant initiative, adding that the State was eligible for assistance from the Peacebuilding Fund. Turkey recommended that the State consider ratifying CAT, OP-CEDAW and the Optional Protocols to the Convention on the Rights of the Child (CRC), make every effort to submit reports to treaty bodies in a timely fashion and increase its level of response to questionnaires sent by special procedures. Turkey encouraged cooperating with OHCHR in this respect. It asked about improving prison conditions. 33. Chad noted with satisfaction the State’s adherence to a number of international human rights instruments and its determination to work for human rights promotion and protection. It recommended the State continuing its efforts to incorporate provisions of international instruments in domestic legislation and becoming a party to international instruments to which it is not yet a party. It recommended that the international community support the State in improving its human rights situation through technical assistance as appropriate. 34. China appreciated poverty-reduction measures, economic reform, re-establishment of security, protection of vulnerable groups and the priority given to education. China suggested