A/HRC/14/14 58. Armenia felt encouraged by the Government’s achievements and recognized that securing the right to life was a precondition for further progress. It supported the efforts to protect vulnerable groups from the violence, in particular confessional groups of Christians, Yazidis, Sabean Mandaeans and Shabaks. It recalled the generosity of the Iraqi people, who had accommodated victims of conflicts during the past century. Armenia made a recommendation. 59. Nigeria acknowledged the efforts to guarantee economic, social and cultural rights. Nigeria welcomed the improvements in school enrolment levels, the narrowing of the gender gap, the reduction in the infant and maternal mortality rates and in the area of women’s rights. Nigeria noted that Iraq faced enormous challenges in achieving the full promotion and protection of all human rights. Nigeria made a recommendation. 60. China noted had Iraq had acceded to many international instruments and that the inclusion of human rights standards in the Constitution was a precondition for restoring the rule of law. It highlighted the establishment of the Ministry of Human Rights and praised the increased school enrolment and reduced gender disparities. It noted the collapse of the security system and the activities of terrorist groups. It hoped that Government would maintain social order so as to guarantee the right to life and development. China noted that the international community should continue to provide assistance. 61. Uruguay highlighted the ratification of the two Optional Protocols to the Convention on the Rights of the Child and hoped that the initial relevant reports would be submitted on time. It welcomed the establishment of the Ministry of Women’s Affairs, but regretted the fact that violence against women persisted. Uruguay made recommendations. 62. Morocco expressed satisfaction at Iraq’s commitment to achieving stability, prosperity and the promotion of human rights within the context of its territorial integrity. The normative framework was noted, and human rights education was cited as an achievement in the national report. Morocco inquired about the mechanisms for providing compensation to victims of human rights violations. Morocco made recommendations. 63. Slovakia acknowledged the independence of the judiciary enshrined in the Constitution, while noting that courts still did not meet fair-trial standards. Accountability was a source of concern due to interference, a lack of institutional capacity and fears of retaliation. Judicial staff were subject to threats, and witnesses were not provided the necessary protection. Slovakia expressed concern at the reinstatement of the death penalty and noted that the range of punishable offences was quite broad. It condemned the continued use of minors by non-State militants. Slovakia made recommendations. 64. Spain congratulated the Government on the ratification of the two Optional Protocols to the Convention on the Rights of the Child. It made recommendations. 65. The Philippines commended the Government for establishing the Ministry of Human Rights, ratifying a number of core treaties and taking measures to improve the participation of women in political and economic life. Philippines noted progress in consolidating democratic governance, strengthening the rule of law and delivering basic services. However, the security challenge was having detrimental effects. Philippines made recommendations. 66. Sweden regretted the reinstatement of the death penalty. It noted the fact that more than 100 persons had been executed since May 2009. There were reports that trials had not met international standards and confessions were extracted through torture. Sweden expressed concern about violence against human rights defenders, journalists and trade unionists. Killings and disappearances had been reported. During 2009, the killing or brutal torture of homosexual men had become widespread, with accusations of involvement by security forces. Sweden made recommendations. 10