A/HRC/24/14 69. Senegal noted accession to a number of human rights instruments. It commended progress in reducing poverty. It also raised challenges. 70. Serbia noted ongoing efforts to improve the legal framework and the importance of adherence to CRPD and OP-CRC-SC. 71. Singapore noted achievements in combating trafficking in persons and highlighted cooperation with CIS States. It acknowledged judicial reforms to enhance the Courts’ ability to handle cases and improve public confidence. 72. Slovakia commended the Russian Federation’s ratification of CRPD, timely reporting to the treaty bodies and regular contribution to the OHCHR budget, and its signature of OP-CRC-SC. 73. Slovenia noted the implementation of a 1st cycle recommendation. It commended visits by some special procedures mandate holders and encouraged more. It noted efforts to improve tolerance but raised several concerns. 74. South Africa commended the signing of CRPD and OP-CRC-SC. It welcomed steps to protect women’s rights and encouraged continued steps to combat poverty. 75. Spain commended the role of the Russian Federation on the Human Rights Council and welcomed its openness in recent years to visits from special procedures. 76. Sri Lanka welcomed strengthened efforts to protect children and women. It commended efforts to counter terrorism and extremism and noted intensified measures to combat human trafficking. 77. The State of Palestine commended accession to many international human rights instruments and strengthened action to combat human trafficking. It urged the continued combating of hate crimes and racially motivated aggression. 78. The Sudan emphasized the 2012 ratification of CRPD and noted improved protection of the rights of persons with disabilities, particularly in the field of education. 79. Sweden raised concern over discrimination against LGBT individuals and the recent draft law. It expressed concern over the July 2012 amendment to the law on noncommercial organizations. 80. Switzerland expressed concern over the pressure exerted upon national and international NGOs. It commended the signature of the Rome Statute. 81. The Syrian Arab Republic commended the Russian Federation for enhancing the rights of its people through implementation of important recommendations, particularly regarding right to life and security. It encouraged additional efforts in cooperation with civil society to achieve social justice and development. 82. Tajikistan noted the enhancement of human rights institutions and welcomed steps to strengthen policy to prevent torture and violence and to improve education. 83. Thailand welcomed the ratification of CRPD and improved education for children with special needs. It welcomed measures to improve the situation of women detainees and remand facilities. 84. The Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia commended the ratification of CRPD. It also commended the extension of the moratorium on the death penalty and expressed hope for its definitive abolition. 85. Tunisia noted efforts to combat racist violence and encouraged enhanced efforts against discrimination and intolerance. It encouraged the adoption of legislation to combat violence against women. 9