A/HRC/24/13 95. The United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland encouraged Azerbaijan to strengthen efforts to guarantee the freedom of assembly and an environment that allows journalists and human rights defenders to operate freely without intimidation, harassment and threat of unjust prosecution. 96. The United States of America commended steps to discourage violence against women and early marriage and to release individuals imprisoned for publicly expressing opinions. It was concerned about the incarceration of journalists and democracy activists, undue Government restrictions on freedom of peaceful assembly, harassment of lawyers representing peaceful demonstrators and restrictions on civil society organizations. 97. Armenia stated that the Azerbaijan’s report contained unfounded and baseless accusations against Armenia, and that the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict and its consequences were the result of Azerbaijani policy of aggression. Armenia expressed deep concern about the degradation and deterioration of the human rights situation in Azerbaijan since its first UPR. 98. Uzbekistan welcomed the adoption of the National Action Programme on enhancing efficiency of the protection of human rights and freedoms, the establishment of the Ombudsman’s Office, reforms to the prison and social services system and measures to protect the rights of women and children. 99. Viet Nam appreciated Azerbaijan’s efforts to enhance institutional and legislative frameworks and accede to other international human rights instruments. It agreed that, while much progress had been made, difficulties and challenges remained. 100. Yemen commended Azerbaijan’s implementation of the recommendations from its first UPR. It noted the enactment of legislation to promote human rights, particularly in the areas of education, combating domestic violence and ensuring the rights of detainees, and on the ratification of several international human rights instruments. 101. Azerbaijan noted that many problems regarding the implementation of the laws were linked to the conflict, which resulted in many refugees and IDPs. For over ten years, all social divisions as well as all economic and social assistance for the refugees and IDPs have fallen purely on the shoulders of the Government of the Republic of Azerbaijan. Azerbaijan has tried to ensure their integration in society and social and economic assistance. Only once all the occupied territories are freed will all the refugees and IDPs be able to return safely to their homes. 102. It added that the issues raised, such as violence against women, freedom of assembly and association, international standards for the work of the mass media and freedom of association were all priorities for the Government. A great deal of effort has been made on human rights education, in particular training officials. 103. Azerbaijan recalled that it is party to practically all the international human rights instruments and that pursuant to its obligations, these instruments automatically become an integral part of domestic legislation. Many court rulings are now based directly on international conventions. 104. With regard to economic, social and cultural rights, Azerbaijan indicated that major achievements had been made, but that there were still some shortcomings, which it has attempted to address though its policies. It provided information on achievements in the fields of health and education. 105. Azerbaijan recalled that it fully cooperates with special procedures mandate holders and announced that it had issued a standing invitation to all special procedures mandate holders. 13