A/HRC/17/4 45. South Africa welcomed Rwanda’s initiatives to enhance the protection of women’s rights, and encouraged Rwanda to continue its efforts to ensure that women enjoyed equality and were not subject to any forms of discrimination. It also welcomed Rwanda’s progress towards achieving the MDGs, which would assist in human rights protection. South Africa made recommendations. 46. Belgium noted with satisfaction the ratification of the Optional Protocol to the ICCPR (ICCPR-OP 1). It noted the positive steps undertaken, including the National Dialogue on Media, and enquired about the measures undertaken to guarantee the independence of the Media High Council. Belgium made recommendations. 47. The Republic of Korea acknowledged the progress made by Rwanda in the promotion of human rights. It welcomed the fact that Rwanda had withdrawn its reservations to international human rights treaties, and that the latter had precedence over domestic laws. The Republic of Korea commended Rwanda for introducing free and compulsory education, and for taking steps towards achieving gender equality. It noted the education gap between boys and girls, and requested information about measures taken to address this issue. The Republic of Korea made recommendations. 48. Indonesia commended Rwanda for its efforts to ensure that human rights protection remained a priority. It noted the establishment of the independent, A-status National Commission for Human Rights as an important step, and called for Rwanda to ensure that the Commission is provided with the necessary financial resources to fulfil its mandate. Indonesia made recommendations. 49. Mozambique took note of the economic and social developments achieved by Rwanda, its efforts to eradicate extreme poverty and hunger, guarantees for universal primary education and environmental sustainability, promotion of gender equality and the empowerment of women. It noted that Rwanda had introduced universal primary education and has been implementing the One Laptop Per Child programme with a view to disseminating the use of and proficiency in computers in primary school. Mozambique encouraged Rwanda to continue with the programmes related to reconciliation and economic development. 50. Azerbaijan commended Rwanda’s commitment to human rights protection and the positive changes in society. It noted with interest the measures taken to fight discrimination and to improve the enjoyment of human rights, such as the right to health, education, and social protection. Azerbaijan further commended the establishment of the A-status national human rights commission, the Gender Monitoring Office, and the National Unity and Reconciliation Commission. It welcomed Rwanda’s achievement of the MDGs ahead of time and requested information on measures adopted to explicitly prohibit discrimination against women. Azerbaijan made recommendations. 51. France expressed concerns about the following topics: the situation of forced disappearances, freedom of association, pressure and threats against journalists. It requested further information on the murder that occurred on 10 July 2010. France made recommendations. 52. Malaysia noted with appreciation the progress achieved in social and economic development as well as Rwanda’s endeavour to shape a new and inclusive society that rejects historical bias and discrimination. It also appreciated Rwanda’s engagement with the United Nations human rights mechanisms and OHCHR in its efforts to improve the human rights situation. Malaysia made recommendations. 53. The United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland commended Rwanda for the progress made since the 1994 genocide. While welcoming the abolition of the death penalty, it expressed concerned over its replacement by life imprisonment in solitary 9