A/HRC/17/4 advancement of the rule of law, abolition of the death penalty, achievement of most of the MDGs, increase in per capita GDP, decrease in maternal mortality, and participation of women in Parliament. Brazil mentioned the challenges faced by Rwanda, such as violence against women and children, and intimidations against human rights defenders. Brazil made recommendations. 30. Slovenia commended Rwanda for its active engagement in the field of human rights at the regional and international level. It recognized Rwanda's leading role in the region and the positive developments regarding the participation of women in politics. It further commended the abolition of the death penalty in 2007. Slovenia encouraged Rwanda to maintain its constructive self-critical attitude, and shared the concern of the Committee on the Rights of the Child about reports of recruitment of children below the age of 15. Slovenia made recommendations. 31. Singapore recognized the challenges faced by Rwanda, particularly in rebuilding the fabric of its society after the 1994 genocide. It noted that Rwanda guaranteed freedom of expression, while safeguarding against its abuse, and that it had established the Media Council to promote media freedom and responsibility. Singapore commended Rwanda for the programmes aimed at maternal and child health, and universal primary education. It made recommendations. 32. Hungary commended Rwanda’s achievements, including the abolition of the death penalty, adoption of programmes targeting socio-economic transformation, and acquisition of “A” status for its National Commission for Human Rights. Hungary was concerned about violence against children, including domestic violence and recruitment into armed forces. It recognized Rwanda’s achievements in the field of gender equality, but raised concerns regarding the persistence of patriarchal stereotypes which resulted in violations against women’s rights, and the absence of legislation on sexual harassment. Hungary made recommendations. 33. Nepal noted with appreciation Rwanda’s initiatives in human rights protection, including through the strengthening of the National Commission for Human Rights, the establishment of the Ombudsman office, and the implementation of the Vision 2020 plan and the Economic Development and Poverty Reduction Strategy. It also praised Rwanda’s progress in the health sector, and women’s representation in decision-making. Nepal urged the international community to support Rwanda in its initiatives by facilitating technical assistance and capacity-building. It encouraged Rwanda to take further initiatives towards protecting the rights of marginalized and vulnerable groups, and ending gender-based violence. 34. Switzerland welcomed the abolition of the death penalty and the ratification of the Second Optional Protocol to the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR-OP 2), and noted with appreciation the high representation of women in Parliament. Switzerland referred to Rwanda’s progress in the field of economic, social and cultural rights and made recommendations 35. Turkey acknowledged Rwanda’s efforts in advancing human rights and commended Rwanda’s policy on compulsory education, in particular with regard to girls, and the high level of representation of women in Parliament. Turkey referred to Rwanda’s priority to obtain more investments in rural areas so as to reduce extreme poverty, and called on the international community to assist Rwanda. Turkey requested information on the administration of justice at the communal level, and made a recommendation. 36. Spain welcomed the abolition of the death penalty in 2007, and attached great importance to the protection of civil and political rights as a prerequisite for pursuing social and sustainable development. Spain made recommendations. 7