A/HRC/24/14 114. Botswana noted efforts to ratify outstanding human rights treaties and the entry into force of legislation on free legal aid. 115. Brazil welcomed the ratification of CRPD and increased openness to the Human Rights Council special procedures. It invited the Russian Federation to consider abolition of the death penalty. 116. Bulgaria appreciated efforts to reform the national human rights machinery and steps taken to improve prison conditions, and refine legislation and judicial practice in imposing prison sentences. 117. Burkina Faso welcomed ratification of international human rights instruments, efforts to combat terrorism and extremism, cooperation with special procedures, improvements of some prison conditions and attention given to violence against women, ethnic minorities and the rights of persons with disabilities. 118. Burundi commended the Russian Federation on the adoption of free legal aid legislation, and the commitment to combating terrorism and extremism, protecting children’s rights and guaranteeing sustainable development for indigenous peoples. 119. Cambodia noted progress made in implementing previous recommendations, particularly the ratification of international human rights instruments. It appreciated steps taken in continuing to observe a moratorium on the death penalty. 120. Canada asked what steps were being taken to empower civil society actors in the region and foster a positive climate for their efforts. 121. Chad welcomed the strengthening of the legal and institutional human rights framework and ratification of core international human rights instruments. 122. Chile sought the Government’s opinion on the concern shown by CAT at the scope of the amended definition of the crime of treason and the recommendation on its repeal. It welcomed the law on free legal aid, reduction of poverty, the action plan for children 20122017 and ratification of CRPD. 123. China welcomed the ratification of CRPD and progress in judicial reform, generating employment, combating violence against women and protecting the rights of children, persons with disabilities, ethnic minorities and indigenous peoples. 124. Costa Rica was concerned by allegations of secret detentions and enforced disappearances in the Caucasus, increasing attacks, threats and violence against human rights defenders, journalists and lawyers, and restrictions on the freedom of expression. It welcomed the broader procedural guarantees, measures to avoid police abuse and the moratorium on the death penalty. 125. Cyprus welcomed the ratification of international human rights instruments and steps taken to combat domestic violence and human trafficking. It encouraged the adoption of a comprehensive strategy and legislation to prevent domestic violence. 126. Austria expressed concern at laws continuing to unduly restrict activities of civil society and at specific recently adopted laws further curtailing civil liberties regarding assembly, the internet, the so-called “propaganda of homosexuality” and foreign agents laws, and the crimes of treason and espionage. 127. The Democratic People’s Republic of Korea commended the Government’s consistent efforts for the protection and promotion of human rights and the considerable progress achieved. 12