A/HRC/15/9 and international experts. It was also concerned at the reports of torture and ill treatment in prison facilities and police stations. Slovenia made recommendations. 41. Ireland welcomed efforts to drop some of the most restrictive amendments to the law on meetings, rallies and demonstrations. It expressed concern at the fact that some legislative provisions placing restrictions on freedom of assembly remained. Ireland also noted a lack of comprehensive legal provisions prohibiting discrimination against women. It welcomed the strengthening of the judiciary and domestic legislation prohibiting torture, but expressed concern about allegations of physical and psychological pressure exerted by police during arrests and interrogations. Ireland made recommendations. 42. The Netherlands commended Armenia for being a party to the majority of the core human rights instruments and for having extended a standing invitation to United Nations special procedures. It was concerned about Armenia’s broadcasting laws which had reportedly failed to ensure political and ideological pluralism, as well as a law that restricted freedom of assembly. The Netherlands made recommendations. 43. Sweden took note of existing legislation to guarantee freedom of speech and expressed concern about restrictions on broadcasting permits and the harassment and arbitrary detention of journalists. It raised concern about reports concerning the impartiality of the judiciary, including the widespread violation of fair-trial standards during the events that had taken place in March, and asked about policy initiatives to address those issues. Sweden made recommendations. 44. Argentina commended Armenia for achievements in terms of human rights education. It also welcomed the National Plan of Action for the Protection of Children’s Rights (2004-2015) and the Strategic Plan to Eradicate Poverty (2004-2015). Argentina made recommendations. 45. Italy noted achievements, including the abolition of the death penalty in 2003, the accession to the majority of the core human right instruments, the establishment of the Office of the Human Rights Defender in 2004 and the issuance of a standing invitation to United Nations special procedures in 2006. It also stressed the accession of Armenia to the Council of Europe, the inclusion into the European Neighborhood Policy and the establishing of an EU-Armenian Human Rights dialogue. Italy made recommendations. 46. Austria noted that stereotypes about women and their social role still persisted and that women had unequal access to general and reproductive health services, particularly in rural areas. Austria welcomed the National Plan of Action for the Protection of Children’s Rights, but indicated that the enjoyment by vulnerable children of their rights remained limited. Austria asked about measures to address the situation of internally displaced persons. It made recommendations. 47. Uruguay emphasized the leadership role played by Armenia in the resolution on the prevention of genocide submitted at the seventh session of the Human Rights Council. Uruguay welcomed the launching of negotiations to improve the critical situation between Armenia and its neighbours. Uruguay made recommendations. 48. Kyrgyzstan noted that Armenia was a party to more than 50 international human rights instruments and expressed appreciation for the laws adopted on lawyers and the bar. It noted that the educational system played an important role and highlighted the fact that reproductive health issues were included in school curriculums. Kyrgyzstan made recommendations. 49. Brazil highlighted the establishment of the Office of the Human Rights Defender, reductions in infant mortality and the standing invitation issued to special procedures. Brazil expressed concern about allegations of restrictions on the press, the excessive use of force against peaceful demonstrators and obstacles to freedom of religion. Brazil asked 8