A/HRC/14/11 76. Zimbabwe fully understood Angola’s full commitment to the promotion and protection of human rights after the country had overcome a grim past. Zimbabwe made recommendations. 77. While acknowledging that the percentage of women in Angola’s National Assembly was among the highest percentages of women serving in such positions in Africa, Japan inquired about the follow-up to the recommendation made by the Committee on the Elimination of Discrimination against Women regarding measures and legislation concerning violence against women. It encouraged the acceleration of efforts to reform the judicial system and noted that a low number of registered births seemed to be an impediment to preventing the trafficking in children. Japan made one recommendation. 78. Ethiopia stated that significant gains had been achieved in terms of economic growth, infrastructure development and the expansion of social services and that, if that trend continued, Angola would most likely achieve the Millennium Development Goals. Ethiopia made recommendations. 79. Sweden welcomed the ratification of ICCPR but remained concerned at the continuous reports from non-governmental organizations and the United Nations raising concerns with regard to the impartiality of the judicial system and the lack of sufficient resources. Sweden was also concerned at indications by civil society regarding the use of torture in places of detention and at the fact that the living standards and conditions in prison were insufficient. It made recommendations. 80. Côte d’Ivoire encouraged Angola to continue its processes of national reconciliation, reconstruction and the reintegration of former soldiers. Côte d’Ivoire also encouraged Angola to continue and step up its special education programmes for persons with disabilities, in order to improve their living conditions. It made recommendations. 81. Slovakia stated that it was pleased with the progress made in the security situation since the end of the civil conflict, and it commended Angola for having abolished the death penalty. Slovakia made recommendations. 82. Despite the considerable efforts that Angola had taken to attain its objectives, Senegal noted that Angola still had to address a number of challenges, particularly those of an economic nature, which impeded the realization of its ambitions. Senegal stated that the international community must do more to help Angola in that endeavour. It made recommendations. 83. Iraq noted efforts made in the area of judicial reform to improve courts and the situation in prisons. It asked for further information about judicial mechanisms for the protection of migrants, in view of the existence of a law concerning the protection of the rights of migrants in Angola. Iraq made one recommendation. 84. Italy welcomed the increase in primary school enrolment in Angola, but noted that girls’ access to school was still significantly hampered by social prejudice. It referred to reported cases involving torture, ill-treatment, extrajudicial execution and the excessive use of force by police. Italy expressed concern about widespread gender-based violence. It made recommendations. 85. The Syrian Arab Republic stated that the growing investment in basic social sectors demonstrated Angola’s capacity to achieve positive gains for its vulnerable population. Syria made one recommendation. 86. In its concluding statement, Angola thanked all the delegations which had spoken to express their support, make recommendations or give encouragement. The delegation reiterated the commitment of the Government of Angola to remain in the front line of the noblest of endeavours – promoting and protecting human rights. 12 GE.10-12527