A/HRC/37/6 Protection Fund showed the commitment of Gabon to providing basic health facilities to its population. 71. Portugal welcomed the ratification of the Second Optional Protocol to the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights and the Optional Protocol to the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities. 72. The Republic of Korea commended the active cooperation of Gabon with the International Criminal Court in its efforts to provide justice and protect human rights. The commitment to human rights mechanisms was demonstrated by a standing invitation to all special procedures. 73. Rwanda particularly commended Gabon for the notable progress in improving the social and economic status of its citizens. It welcomed the ratification of the Second Optional Protocol to the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights and the Optional Protocol to the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities. 74. Senegal commended the adoption of the National Gender Equality and Equity Strategy, the reforms in the judicial system, the reforms aimed at improving living conditions and reducing overcrowding in prisons, and the adoption of Law No. 09/2004 on preventing and combating the trafficking of children. 75. Sierra Leone welcomed the ratification of the Second Optional Protocol to the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights. It mentioned the draft bill to amend the Criminal Code so as to incorporate penalties for domestic violence and the trafficking of children. It encouraged efforts to strengthen the implementation of the legislation aimed at defining and eliminating early marriage and gender-based violence. 76. Singapore commended the full implementation by Gabon of recommendations from the previous universal periodic review, in particular those related to strengthening protection of vulnerable groups. It praised the expansion of the National Health Insurance and Social Protection Fund, and the support by Gabon for persons with disabilities. 77. Slovenia welcomed the adoption of the Second Optional Protocol to the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights and the Optional Protocol to the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities. It noted the adoption of the Children’s Code, but regretted the reports of the high dropout rates at primary and secondary schools, as well as the low enrolment rates of girls in tertiary education. It noted with concern the lack of engagement by local indigenous people in the efforts to preserve rainforests and biodiversity. 78. South Africa commended the steps to reform the National Human Rights Commission. It welcomed the legislation to impose penalties for domestic violence and human trafficking, the emphasis on integrating HIV services into various health facilities, and the implementation of social protection measures for the most disadvantaged people. 79. Spain commended the progress made since the previous universal periodic review, referring to the ratification of the Second Optional Protocol to the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights and the Optional Protocol to the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities. 80. The State of Palestine commended the intensified fight against poverty through the National Social Assistance Fund. It welcomed the plans of Gabon to ratify the Optional Protocol to the International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights. 81. The Sudan noted with satisfaction the developments since the previous review in 2012, such as the amendment of many acts to bring them into line with several United Nations human rights instruments, referring to the Children’s Code and to the Optional Protocol to the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities. 82. Timor-Leste commended Gabon for adopting the National Gender Equality and Equity Strategy and for creating the National Social Assistance Fund. It highlighted the creation of a dedicated court system for children, and the increase in the representation of women in political life and decision-making. 8 GE.17-23556