A/HRC/41/14 36. Armenia encouraged Eritrea to grant the human rights mechanisms access to assess the human rights situation in the country in relation to torture and freedom of opinion. 37. Australia was concerned by reports of torture and arbitrary detention. It urged Eritrea to fulfil its obligations under international human rights instruments. 38. Austria was concerned about the continued prevalence of female genital mutilation and encouraged Eritrea to strengthen efforts to eliminate the practice. 39. Egypt noted that the political developments in Eritrea had contributed to its stability. It also noted the National Indicative Development Plan and efforts to ensure the independence of the judiciary and the rule of law. 40. Bangladesh identified areas that required attention in the promotion of human rights, including the indefinite period of national service and the provision of adequate housing for all. 41. Belgium stated that the membership of Eritrea of the Human Rights Council should be an incentive to strengthen its engagement with international human rights mechanisms. 42. Benin noted that since the previous review cycle, Eritrea had implemented programmes for the realization of economic, social and cultural rights. 43. Zimbabwe highlighted initiatives that Eritrea had launched to transform agricultural practices to ensure food security and reduce poverty. It also noted the eight-year compulsory basic education policy. 44. Botswana noted legislative and policy developments since the last review. It welcomed political developments, particularly peace initiatives with Ethiopia, Somalia and Djibouti. 45. Bulgaria encouraged Eritrea to take steps for the effective implementation of the 1997 Constitution. It noted that the Government had worked to ensure food security, health care and social services. 46. Burundi welcomed the efforts made by Eritrea to ensure equal access to health care and to improve the quality of health-care services. 47. Canada was troubled by the restrictions imposed on the exercise of fundamental rights, including the rights to freedom of expression and of religion. 48. Chile commended Eritrea for having signed the Joint Declaration on Comprehensive Cooperation between Ethiopia, Eritrea and Somalia in 2018 and for its sustained cooperation with OHCHR. 49. China expressed its appreciation to Eritrea for the progress made in the promotion and protection of human rights. It appealed to the international community to provide constructive assistance to Eritrea. 50. Costa Rica was troubled by the increasingly high number of women, girls and unaccompanied children that had fled Eritrea to avoid national service. 51. Croatia expressed the hope that the new atmosphere of peace and stability would bring an end to indefinite military service. It commended Eritrea for efforts in the areas of education and gender equality, among others. 52. Cuba welcomed initiatives to improve the quality of and access to various services, as well as infrastructure in order to reduce poverty. 53. Czechia expressed regret that Eritrea had supported only one of the five recommendations made by Czechia during the previous review cycle. It appreciated the improvements achieved in areas such as education and health care. 54. The Democratic People’s Republic of Korea noted a number of legislative measures, the National Gender Action Plan and the fight against human trafficking, despite many challenges. 5