A/HRC/14/14 concerning the role of women and the family, as well as the increase in school enrolment and the decrease in child mortality. The Sudan made recommendations. 25. The United States of America hoped that the new Government would empower the Human Rights Commission. It commended efforts to address poor prison conditions and investigate allegations of detainee abuse. It expressed concern about the protection of minorities, women and LGBT. Continued attacks on religious sites and other sectarian violence were hampering the ability to practice religion freely. It made recommendations. 26. Norway expressed appreciation for the establishment of the Ministry of Human Rights, the active participation of civil society and the establishment of quotas for the eligibility of women in elections. However, Norway remained concerned about the working conditions and the vulnerable situation of human rights defenders and journalists, and the practice of capital punishment, in addition to the issue of mitigating excuse regarding “honour crimes”. Norway made recommendations. 27. Belgium noted the positive steps taken by the Government, in particular regarding elections and the establishment of a Commission on Human Rights. It regretted the reinstatement of the death penalty and inquired about the notorious gap between official and civil society figures concerning the number of executions. It expressed concern about the situation of minorities. Belgium made recommendations. 28. Mexico recognized efforts to set up an institutional human rights framework. It recalled that human rights protection was an obligation of the State and that, under the current circumstances, respect for international standards was particularly important. It inquired about the Government’s intention regarding the requests for visits made by some special procedures. Mexico made recommendations. 29. Australia commended recent achievements in the face of reduced violence and Iraq’s commitment to democratic elections. It remained concerned about the persecution of religious minorities and other vulnerable groups, including homosexuals; continued violence against women; the treatment of detainees; and the application of the death penalty. It welcomed assurances concerning the human rights situation at Camp Ashraf. Australia made recommendations. 30. New Zealand welcomed the reduction in maternal mortality. It asked for an update on the process of ratifying the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities. It was concerned that the Supreme National Commission for Accountability had disbarred candidates for the 2010 elections without justification. It was troubled by “honour” killings and regretted that, legally, a motive of “honour” could be a mitigating factor. It noted with concern the execution of prisoners. Some visits by special procedures remain outstanding. It made recommendations. 31. Tunisia noted the constitutional principles aimed at ensuring equality, nondiscrimination, the independence of the judiciary and the enjoyment of civil and political rights. It referred to the care taken in establishing strategies for promoting women’s rights and the rights of the disabled, despite difficult circumstances in Iraq. It noted the pioneering experience in establishing a culture of human rights among children in schools. Tunisia made a recommendation. 32. Canada recognized Iraq’s continuing efforts to address human rights violations and strengthen respect for the rule of law, but expressed concern that women had not been afforded adequate protection against violence and at the escalation in attacks targeting homosexuals. It also noted reports concerning serious violations of the rights of detainees and the resumption of the use of capital punishment. Canada made recommendations. 33. Germany noted reports that “honour crimes” against women continued to be frequent and that laws against domestic violence were still lacking. It asked how the 6