A/HRC/13/56 available to the Council. The delegation emphasized that the effective implementation of the law against torture was a political priority for the Government of Equatorial Guinea. 707. The delegation stressed that a number of political and legal measures aimed at combating discrimination against women were in an advanced stage of preparation and would be approved once finalized. The delegation drew attention to a bill against gender violence recently drafted and presented by the Ministry of Social Affairs and Promotion of Women. 708. The process to approve a criminal code in line with modern standards had been initiated. It would replace the current code inherited from colonial times. 709. The institutional mechanism to protect and shelter minors in need had been reinforced within the framework of the general policy of the promotion of the rights of the child. Access to public subsidies by the relevant specialized associations had been made flexible. 710. Many other measures were being developed and taken in line with the recommendations received. As an example, the delegation mentioned the areas of the freedom of expression, freedom of the press, freedom of association, detention conditions, the judiciary, juvenile delinquency and the eradication of poverty. 711. With regard to the remaining recommendations, their possible incorporation into the plan of action of the Government would continue to be carefully studied, considering the concrete circumstances of the country. The Government had accepted all universal periodic review recommendations received, except for three of them, namely, one on the ratification of the statute of the International Criminal Court, one on the ratification of the Optional Protocol to the Covenant on Civil and Political Rights on the abolition of the death penalty and one on granting access to the Special Rapporteur on torture to military facilities. The Government had serious difficulties on a legal and a social conscience basis with these three recommendations, and therefore it was not able to accept them. 712. In conclusion, the delegation renewed its readiness to continue working, with the technical assistance and cooperation of the Council and OHCHR, for the elimination of the legal, institutional, political, economic, social and cultural obstacles that continued to prevent or limit the full enjoyment of internationally and nationally recognized human rights in Equatorial Guinea. 2. Views expressed by Member and observer States of the Council on the review outcome 713. Algeria noted with satisfaction the endorsement by Equatorial Guinea of many recommendations, including all those made by Algeria, which reflected its commitment to promote and protect human rights. It appreciated measures to reduce poverty and achieve the Millennium Development Goals, and referred in particular to the free education system ensuring compulsory primary education. Algeria appreciated the efforts made to promote women and their participation in decision-making processes, as well as the measures taken to facilitate their access to justice. 714. Cuba commended Equatorial Guinea for accepting the majority of the recommendations. Despite being a developing country, victim of the unjust international economic order, Equatorial Guinea had made advances in areas such as education, health, the promotion of gender equality and the protection of children. Cuba stressed also the efforts made in the areas of infrastructure building, social accommodation, drinking water, energy, telecommunications and access to information. These efforts should be supported through cooperation and financial assistance, especially from developed countries. 715. The United States of America recognized the steps taken to strengthen the judiciary. However, the people of Equatorial Guinea were still denied their human rights by the 185