A/HRC/19/6 B. Interactive dialogue and responses by the State under review 22. During the interactive dialogue, 47 delegations made statements. Recommendations made during the dialogue are to be found in section II of the present report. 23. Algeria welcomed the measures taken by Swaziland to respond to the challenges identified in its national report, including through its plans and programmes of action related to the realization of constitutional rights, such as the rights to life and to education, and the efforts towards the protection of vulnerable groups and the fight against poverty and HIV/AIDS. It stated the importance of support from the international community. Algeria made recommendations. 24. Lesotho stated that Swaziland deserved commendation for realizing the right to education, as well as for the Child Welfare and Protection Bill of 2011. The policies of Swaziland with regard to people living with disabilities were appreciated. Lesotho expressed the hope that the spirit and determination with which Swaziland addressed the right to education and protection of children could be applied to other human rights challenges and was ready to share its experiences with Swaziland. 25. Cuba noted that the socio-economic difficulties faced by Swaziland had caused an increase in poverty. It welcomed that the State’s main priority was the elimination of extreme poverty, and also welcomed its efforts to prevent and control tuberculosis and other transmissible diseases, to combat HIV, and to ensure universal free education by 2015. Cuba noted that about 82 per cent of births had been assisted by health professionals and that malaria had decreased. Cuba made recommendations. 26. Zimbabwe commended the achievements made by Swaziland in education, health, food security and the advancement of women’s rights. Zimbabwe made recommendations. 27. Singapore stated that despite its challenges, Swaziland had made progress in important areas, such as increased access to improved water resources. It noted that Swaziland had rightly prioritized HIV/AIDS on its overall development agenda. Singapore made recommendations. 28. France welcomed the de facto moratorium on death penalty. However, it noted that death penalty sentences continued to be pronounced. It expressed concern at the use by authorities of the 2008 law on the suppression of terrorism, to restrict freedom of expression. France made recommendations. 29. China noted with appreciation that the Government had formulated a poverty reduction strategy and action plan and that it had made great efforts in the areas of health and education. China noted that Swaziland was still facing difficulties in areas such as reduction of maternal mortality, and that gender inequality still existed. It appealed to the international community to provide Swaziland with constructive assistance so that it could achieve the Millennium Development Goals. 30. India took note of the positive achievements of Swaziland in the area of elementary education. It encouraged Swaziland to strengthen further the programme for free medical treatment for the elderly, and welcomed the initiation of the process for drafting the human rights commission bill and a leadership code of conduct bill. India encouraged Swaziland to enhance women’s empowerment. 31. Canada acknowledged the Constitution. It regretted the insufficient implementation of reforms and expressed concern at the continuing ban of political parties and the lack of democratic space to exercise freedom of expression and association. Canada also expressed concern at the reports of excessive use of force, arbitrary arrests and extrajudicial executions. It noted the challenges faced by Swaziland regarding HIV/AIDS, vulnerable 6