A/HRC/34/13 25. Spain congratulated South Sudan on its ratification of the Convention on the Rights of the Child. 26. The Sudan commended South Sudan for its commitment to the universal periodic review process and stated that it deserved technical and capacity-building assistance from the international community. 27. Swaziland was concerned that civil strife continued to undermine security and human rights. It applauded the establishment of the Ministry of Gender, Child and Social Welfare, and emphasized the importance of girls’ education. 28. Sweden noted the adoption of restrictive legislation governing civil society organizations and the use of sexual and gender-based violence as a weapon of war. 29. Switzerland noted the resumption of violence and was concerned about the climate of impunity and the restrictions on civil society and the media. 30. Timor-Leste appreciated the ratification of various international conventions and welcomed the commitment of South Sudan to cooperating with the Human Rights Council. 31. Togo welcomed the adoption of a law creating a human rights commission and the constitutional provisions aimed at safeguarding freedom of expression and association, among others. 32. Uganda commended South Sudan on its commitment to implementing the recommendations arising from the first cycle of the universal periodic review, held in 2011. 33. Ukraine encouraged South Sudan to ratify the human rights instruments it had not yet ratified. It was concerned about violence and armed conflict. 34. The United Arab Emirates praised the institutional and legislative work carried out in all sectors to establish a modern country capable of overcoming the obstacles to restoring peace, order and stability. 35. The United Kingdom called for accountability for acts of sexual violence committed since the outbreak of the fighting in 2013. 36. The United Republic of Tanzania called for intensified efforts to attain peace and to end the hostilities, and effective implementation of the 2005 comprehensive peace agreement. 37. The United States noted the serious human rights violations committed since the fighting had begun in 2013 and the fact that delivery of humanitarian assistance continued to be obstructed. 38. Uruguay requested the cessation of violence against the civilian population and urged cooperation with the Commission on Human Rights in South Sudan established by the Human Rights Council. 39. The Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela acknowledged the frank manner in which South Sudan set out to address its human rights challenges. It encouraged South Sudan to continue to improve living conditions. 40. Albania noted the slow implementation of the recommendations arising from the 2011 universal periodic review. It urged South Sudan to further strengthen its efforts and its human rights mechanisms. 41. Algeria welcomed the Transitional Constitution and the Child Act, which protected children from recruitment into the armed forces. 6