A/HRC/41/14 68. Greece noted the positive steps taken since the previous review cycle and expressed the hope that the Joint Declaration of Peace and Friendship between Eritrea and Ethiopia would enhance human rights protection. 69. Haiti congratulated Eritrea for having been elected to the Human Rights Council. It hoped that the closer relationship with Ethiopia would enhance human rights in Eritrea. 70. Honduras congratulated Eritrea for efforts to reduce poverty and for the voluntary pledges made by Eritrea. 71. Iceland hoped that the peace agreement with Ethiopia would have a positive impact on the human rights situation. 72. Hungary expressed the hope that the establishment of peace would allow Eritrea to move forward on human rights. The implementation of human rights treaties could transform the country. 73. India expressed appreciation for the steps taken to enhance quality of life, and the decline in HIV/AIDS cases. It welcomed the policies in the area of education. 74. Indonesia welcomed the Joint Declaration on Comprehensive Cooperation between Ethiopia, Eritrea and Somalia. It commended the accession of Eritrea to the Convention against Torture. 75. The Islamic Republic of Iran expressed appreciation for the initiatives taken to reduce poverty, improve the standard of living, promote children’s rights and prevent human trafficking. 76. Iraq expressed the hope that the peace declaration signed by Eritrea, Somalia and Ethiopia would allow regional peace and development. 77. Ireland noted the efforts to advance human rights since the previous review cycle. It also noted the peace agreement with Ethiopia and the renewed engagement with the international community. 78. Italy welcomed the measures to promote the right to education and to combat harmful practices. 79. Japan welcomed the accession of Eritrea to the Convention against Torture and expected compliance to lead to concrete improvements in protecting human rights. 80. Kenya noted the Joint Declaration of Peace and Friendship with Ethiopia and the Joint Declaration on Comprehensive Cooperation between Ethiopia, Eritrea and Somalia. 81. Kuwait noted the steps taken by Eritrea in attaining peace with Ethiopia and their positive impact on peace and security in the region. 82. Latvia expressed regret that Eritrea had not provided access to the Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights in Eritrea to conduct country visits and had denied requests for country visits by other special procedures mandate holders. 83. Libya noted the incorporation of human rights into the socioeconomic and political efforts of Eritrea, especially the signing in July 2018 of the Joint Declaration of Peace and Friendship between Eritrea and Ethiopia. 84. Liechtenstein welcomed the fact that the Joint Declaration of Peace and Friendship between Eritrea and Ethiopia had revitalized peace, security and development in the region. 85. Luxembourg noted the progress made in promoting education and health and combating female genital mutilation, but remained concerned by the continuing detention of prisoners of conscience and journalists. 86. Madagascar acknowledged advancements made in promoting human rights, notably the efforts to combat female genital mutilation and early marriage and the adoption of the National Gender Action Plan (2015–2019). 87. Maldives commended efforts to improve the standard of living, notably ongoing steps to eliminate poverty, combat malnutrition among children under 5 years of age and promote education. 7