A/HRC/30/6 Punishment. Rwanda further appreciated that women’s participation in political life had increased, with the number of elected women Parliament Members rising from 3 to 11 in 2012. 85. Serbia acknowledged the efforts taken to promote and protect human rights since the first universal periodic review cycle. It commended Mongolia for the adoption of the 2004 Law to Combat Domestic Violence. 86. Sierra Leone commended Mongolia for introducing a moratorium on the death penalty and the ratification of the Second Optional Protocol to the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, the International Convention for the Protection of All Persons from Enforced Disappearance, and the Optional Protocol to the Convention against Torture and Other Cruel, Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment. It noted measures taken with a view to providing equal access to education as well as adopting the Gender Equality Act. It encouraged Mongolia to adopt the definition of torture and child labour norms in compliance with international standards. 87. Singapore recognized the steps and progress made since the previous review on the improvement of women’s rights, reducing maternal morbidity and increasing transparency and accountability in public services. 88. Slovakia welcomed the steps taken to strengthen human rights protection at the national level, in particular by acceding to international treaties. Recognizing efforts aimed to improve the right to access to the information, Slovakia urged the authorities to continue implementing the legislation on media and access to information. 89. Slovenia noted that Mongolia implemented the majority of recommendations from the first universal periodic review cycle, and commended Mongolia for the progress achieved in protecting the rights of persons with disabilities and promoting the right to education. While noting the adoption of the Law on Gender Equality, it expressed concern that gender-based and domestic violence remained a serious problem. 90. Spain congratulated Mongolia on the ratification of the Second Optional Protocol to the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, and the Optional Protocol to the Convention against Torture and Other Cruel, Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment as well as establishing a moratorium on the death penalty, and instituting a legal framework for protecting women from violence. 91. Sweden referred to the recommendations made by the United Nations treaty bodies, in particular the Committee on the Rights of the Child, with regard to prohibition of all forms of corporal punishment. It also expressed concern about the human rights situation in ger districts. 92. Switzerland welcomed the ratification of international treaties, namely the Minamata Convention on Mercury and the Optional Protocol to the Convention against Torture and Other Cruel, Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment. It also noted the efforts undertaken to combat domestic violence. However, it regretted the application of defamation law. 93. Thailand commended Mongolia for legislation and initiatives aimed to promote the rights of vulnerable groups. It noted remaining challenges in such areas as discrimination and domestic violence, urging Mongolia to pursue effective implementation of the existing laws. 94. Timor-Leste was pleased to note the progress achieved by Mongolia, in particular the adoption of legislation to combat human trafficking. 95. Turkey congratulated Mongolia for the achievements made in the area of human rights, referring to the abolition of the death penalty and the impressive track record on free 13