A/HRC/21/13 social and economic reforms, as will be shown in the new Constitution. Qatar made recommendations. 35. The Republic of Moldova noted that Algeria had stepped up efforts in the area of economic, social and cultural rights. It encouraged Algeria to pursue its efforts to reduce gender disparities. It took note of Algeria’s progress in combating violence against children. The Republic of Moldova made recommendations. 36. The Russian Federation expressed solidarity with Algeria in fighting terrorism and appreciated its efforts to ensure compliance with human rights in that regard. It noted measures to modernize the political system, new legislation on political parties and a programme to reduce unemployment, especially among youth. The Russian Federation made recommendations. 37. Saudi Arabia commended Algeria’s efforts to promote human rights and welcomed the consultations with stakeholders. It commended progress in the rights to education and health. It appreciated the positive interaction with all human rights mechanisms and the efficiency in implementing the UPR recommendations. It made recommendations. 38. Senegal noted achievements in social and economic spheres as a result of courageous measures. It also noted measures to ensure women had a greater representation in public institutions and politics, especially in Parliament. Senegal made recommendations. 39. Singapore noted Algeria’s efforts to achieve the MDGs, particularly access to primary education and health, and a reduction in the spread of HIV/AIDS. It also noted efforts to promote gender equality and empower women, and a higher female enrolment in tertiary education. Singapore made recommendations. 40. Slovakia acknowledged Algeria’s ratification of the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CRPD) and the lifting of the state of emergency in 2011. It also noted that Algeria was a de facto abolitionist country, the last execution having been carried out in 1993. Slovakia made recommendations. 41. Slovenia welcomed Algeria’s commitment to improving its legislation and policies to eliminate discrimination against women and commended it for its commitment to withdrawing the reservation to article 9 of CEDAW. Slovenia made recommendations. 42. South Africa commended Algeria on its support for the African liberation struggle. It congratulated Algeria on its recent elections, especially given the ongoing terrorist threats. It asked whether Algeria had considered the recommendations of the Committee on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights (CESCR) on amending legislation to prohibit and criminalize domestic violence and on intensifying efforts to combat child labour. South Africa made a recommendation. 43. Spain congratulated Algeria on progress made to consolidate democracy in the country. It commended Algeria for implementing a moratorium on the use of the death penalty. Spain made recommendations. 44. Sri Lanka commended the adoption of legislation to strengthen democratic institutions. It noted the increased number of women elected to the National Assembly and efforts to combat terrorism. It welcomed the criminalization of human trafficking, measures to promote the rights of women and children, and progress towards achieving the MDGs. 45. Sudan applauded the implementation of the majority of recommendations and hoped that Algeria would continue completing the remaining recommendations. Sudan noted the measures and plans to achieve the Millennium Development Goals as they led to improvement of a number of social indicators. Sudan made recommendations. 6 GE.12-14978