A/HRC/39/10 universal periodic review process, and encouraged Djibouti to take appropriate measures to protect civil society space. 55. Cuba welcomed measures to improve the economic, social and cultural rights of the population and acknowledged the national strategy for the prevention of malnutrition and the national housing policy. 56. Ecuador acknowledged the efforts of Djibouti to implement recommendations from the previous review cycle and highlighted the National Strategic Action Plan for Children and the Master Plan for Education 2010–2019. 57. Egypt welcomed measures taken to strengthen infrastructure, to fight against poverty and to promote the rights to health and employment, in particular in favour of women and children. 58. Equatorial Guinea congratulated Djibouti for its National Heath Development Plan and welcomed its commitment to implement universal health insurance. 59. Estonia recognized the cooperation of Djibouti with the United Nations human rights system. It welcomed progress regarding women’s rights and steps taken to ensure universal birth registration and increase school enrolment. Estonia encouraged Djibouti to continue its efforts regarding female genital mutilation. 60. Ethiopia noted the determination of Djibouti to establish the National Human Rights Commission. It appreciated the commitment of Djibouti to design the Vision Djibouti 2035 strategy, which aimed at accelerating growth and the creation of employment. 61. France acknowledged the progress of Djibouti in terms of freedom of expression and information, gender equality and the rights of migrants and refugees. 62. Gabon welcomed measures taken to combat trafficking in persons, migrant smuggling, poverty and food insecurity; measures aimed at ensuring access to housing, employment, water and health; and the establishment of universal health insurance covering disadvantaged groups. 63. Georgia welcomed the strengthening of the National Human Rights Commission, and the National Employment Policy 2014–2024. It encouraged Djibouti to enhance its efforts with a view to preventing and combating gender-based violence. 64. Germany welcomed measures to promote and protect women’s and children’s rights and the open and constructive dealing of Djibouti with refugees and migrants. However, it was concerned about violent interactions with protestors and the intimidation of and reprisals against human rights defenders. 65. Ghana expressed concern that obstacles to the registration of human rights associations remained, and that reportedly there remained some barriers that prevented political parties from operating freely and effectively. 66. Guinea welcomed measures to combat discrimination and improve gender equality, and improvements in conditions of access to quality education. 67. Djibouti replied that, for the past two decades, there has been unprecedented progress in the area of women’s rights, in terms of policies and measures aimed at ensuring the promotion and protection of the rights of women. 68. In order to ensure women’s representation in decision-making bodies, Djibouti has implemented a number of structural reforms: the enactment of three laws, which introduced quotas for elected office, and the adoption of a national strategy for involving women in development. In addition, Djibouti has established a gender monitoring centre, which has analysed data, made recommendations and informed decision makers. 69. The Government has carried out numerous initiatives to promote women’s empowerment. In particular, Djibouti introduced a literacy programme, a programme to support families and women in vulnerable situations and a programme to assist women working in male-dominated sectors. In addition, social welfare centres to promote the employment of girl dropouts and girls not attending school, business incubators and a service to encourage female entrepreneurship have also been set up. 6 GE.18-11480