A/HRC/38/7 to protect the rights of women and children, in particular the establishment of a programme to combat female genital mutilation. 93. Georgia noted that the death penalty moratorium was respected and that no death sentences had been carried out. It congratulated Mali on the establishment of the Ministry of Human Rights and State Reform, hailing the adoption of a national policy on human rights and the bill on the protection of human rights defenders. 94. Germany commended the progress made by Mali in the field of transitional justice, as reflected by the operationalization of the regional offices of the Truth, Justice and Reconciliation Commission. It welcomed the establishment of a national human rights institution. 95. Ghana lauded the State’s continued commitment to respecting human rights. It welcomed the State’s accession to international human rights instruments, and commended Mali for successfully harmonizing its national legislation with international instruments. 96. Haiti hailed the establishment of the National Human Rights Commission and the adoption of national policies on human rights and on transitional justice. It noted the creation of the Ministry of Human Rights and State Reform and welcomed the national programme to combat female genital mutilation. 97. Honduras welcomed the adoption of institutional and social reforms to implement the peace agreement, such as the establishment of the National Human Rights Commission and the creation of the Ministry of Human Rights and State Reform, and the national policies on human rights and on transitional justice. 98. Iceland acknowledged the difficult circumstances in Mali and the ongoing efforts to combat terrorism. However, it was deeply concerned about numerous allegations of human rights abuses. It underscored the responsibility of Mali to combat impunity, address those allegations and ensure equal access to justice. 99. India welcomed the establishment of the National Human Rights Commission. It commended Mali on the action plan to combat human trafficking and the related coordinating committee, and encouraged Mali to continue its efforts to eliminate female genital mutilation through educational campaigns and awareness-raising programmes. 100. Indonesia commended Mali on the successful establishment of its National Human Rights Commission in accordance with the Paris Principles. 101. Iraq commended Mali on its efforts to ratify international human rights instruments and implement international commitments, especially with regard to economic and social rights and the rights of the family. 102. Ireland welcomed the establishment of the National Human Rights Commission and the recent adoption of legislation granting a number of rights to human rights defenders. However, it noted that human rights abuses persisted and that the Act on torture was not fully in line with international standards. It remained concerned about continued reports of recruitment of child soldiers by armed groups. 103. Italy welcomed the commitment of Mali to aligning its national legislation with international instruments and its establishment of the Ministry of Human Rights and State Reform. It hailed the adoption in 2015 of an act establishing a gender-based quota of 30 per cent for elected and appointed office. 104. The Lao People’s Democratic Republic welcomed the strategic framework for economic recovery and sustainable development, noting that it was aimed at promoting, on the basis of the Sustainable Development Goals set out in the 2030 Agenda on Sustainable Development, inclusive and sustainable development, thereby reducing poverty and inequality, with a view to a unified and peaceful Mali. 105. Latvia welcomed the State’s cooperation with the Independent Expert. It expressed regret, however, about the State’s lack of cooperation with other special procedure mandate holders. Latvia expressed appreciation for efforts made by Mali to implement measures aimed at eliminating discrimination against women and promoting gender equality. 10 GE.18-06102