A/HRC/27/5 sexual and gender-based violence remained a widespread and serious human rights violation. 33. Paraguay commended the country for its ratification of the Optional Protocol to the Convention against Torture and other Cruel, Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment, approval of the Child Protection Code and issuance of a Presidential Decree ordering the demobilization of child soldiers. 34. The Philippines welcomed the reforms in laws and infrastructure in the areas of education, health, water and sanitation, and recognized that the assistance of the international community remained valuable. 35. Poland commended the adoption of a plan of action to combat the recruitment and use of children by the armed forces and security services, and the promulgation of a law envisaging the establishment of the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC). 36. Portugal welcomed the creation of the NHRC, and noted with satisfaction the joint plan of the State under review and the United Nations to combat the recruitment of children by the armed forces. 37. The Republic of Korea noted the reported progress in eliminating sexual violence, combating torture and strengthening the human rights infrastructure. It expressed concern at the human rights situation in the east of the country. 38. The Russian Federation noted the Government’s willingness to implement the recommendations of international monitoring bodies and the decisions of international and regional judicial bodies, despite the extremely complex human rights situation. 39. Namibia commended the de facto moratorium on the death penalty and the efforts to ensure gender parity. 40. Senegal welcomed progress made in implementing recommendations from the first cycle, notably by adopting policies and legislative reforms. 41. Sierra Leone noted the steps taken to implement first cycle recommendations. It expressed concern about the dire situation in parts of the country, which affected some 2.6 million internally displaced persons. 42. Singapore noted the efforts to combat sexual and gender-based violence and improve access to health care. 43. Slovakia encouraged the authorities to investigate attacks against human rights defenders and civil society representatives and expressed concern at the situation of women. 44. Slovenia welcomed the action plan to combat recruitment of children by armed forces and remained concerned by reports of prevalence of sexual gender-based violence across the country. 45. South Africa commended the policies and legislative changes, such as the establishment of a national human rights institution, and noted the State’s request for technical assistance and capacity-building. 46. South Sudan acknowledged the role of the Government in combating torture and criminalizing it as a separate offence. It welcomed the establishment of the NHRC. 47. Spain commended progress in human rights, in particular the country’s policies on integration of women in political life and the ratification of the Optional Protocol to the Convention against Torture and other Cruel, Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment. It acknowledged efforts to combat sexual violence against women and the de facto moratorium on death penalty. 6 GE.14-07547