A/HRC/17/4 61. Maldives noted with appreciation the participatory approach to the preparation of the national report, and asked Rwanda to expand on the participation of the civil society in the preparation of the report. Maldives commended Rwanda for the progress achieved with regard to gender equality in decision-making. However, it noted that the prevalence of poverty and unemployment was higher among women, and enquired about the steps taken to address the situation. Maldives made recommendations. 62. Italy commended Rwanda for the abolition of the death penalty, and ratification of ICCPR-OP 2. However, it was concerned about the replacement of the death penalty by life imprisonment in solitary confinement. It was also concerned about restrictions to the freedom of expression under article 34 of the Constitution, and the 2008 Genocide Ideology Law, as well as by the situation of journalists and the media. Italy made recommendations. 63. Sri Lanka appreciated Rwanda’s efforts to engage in the review process. Sri Lanka commended the rebuilding process in Rwanda following the unfortunate events of 1994. It also referred to the increased GDP in 2008 as a way to strengthen the democratic process. Sri Lanka welcomed the measures taken to initiate sectoral policies and further encouraged development in the health sector and full access to health care. Sri Lanka made a recommendation. 64. Burundi commended Rwanda’s efforts in the social and economic areas, including the introduction of universal primary education. It noted with satisfaction the progress towards attaining the MDGs, including in the area of health, and the adoption of the Vision 2020 plan and policies on good governance and on combating corruption. Burundi noted that Rwanda had made progress in protecting the rights of women, including the high level of representation of women in Parliament and judiciary. It called upon the international community to provide Rwanda with further support for programmes aimed at social and economic development and the protection of human rights. Burundi made a recommendation. 65. Chile acknowledged Rwanda’s efforts to prevent the impunity of acts of genocide and other human rights violations. It noted the efforts made in reconstruction, and the adoption of the Vision 2020 long-term development strategy for the advancement of all Rwandans. The measures taken to improve access to social services and the health sector are tangible examples of this strategy. Chile also acknowledged the challenges faced by Rwanda, and made recommendations. 66. The Netherlands noted with appreciation the positive steps taken by Rwanda – against a complex historical background – to promote and protect human rights, in particular the establishment of the A-status National Commission for Human Rights. It expressed concern about the possible negative effect that the Genocide Ideology Law could have on freedom of expression, association and peaceful assembly. It also noted with concern the issues regarding the registration of political parties. Finally it commended the ratification of ICCPR-OP 2, and encouraged the ratification of the Rome Statute. The Netherlands made recommendations. 67. Botswana welcomed the measures taken by Rwanda with regard to human rights, including the adoption of the Vision 2020 development plan, the national programme for the economic empowerment of the poor, and the establishment of the Access to Justice Bureaux and the National Dialogue Council. It made recommendations. 68. Ethiopia commended the progress made by Rwanda since 1994, and praised it as Africa’s most dynamic and fastest-growing economy. It highlighted the achievements in addressing impunity, women empowerment, improvements in education, health and social services, and the promotion of information technology. It also praised the Vision 2020 plan and made a recommendation. 11