A/HRC/15/2 include protection of the rights of journalists. The Office of the Ombudsman had also been monitoring the implementation of the Law on Media and planned to report the results to parliament. 29. Germany encouraged Kyrgyzstan to enhance respect for human rights and international law. It asked how the Government intended to promote civil society, particularly human rights defenders; how it would ensure that civil rights would be strengthened through the constitutional reforms; and whether it intended to change the Law on Religion in order to guarantee freedom of religion. Germany made recommendations. 30. India noted the accession by Kyrgyzstan to most human rights instruments. It welcomed the establishment of institutional mechanisms to protect children rights. It acknowledged the substantial achievements regarding the National Plan of Action for Gender Equality. India noted that 35 per cent of the population continued to live below the poverty line. It expressed the hope that the adoption of national development strategies would improve the standard of living. 31. Singapore noted the provisional Government’s commitment to consulting a new constitution based on political agreement and to the holding of transparent elections. It expressed the hope that normalcy would return to Kyrgyzstan soon allowing the country to focus on development and poverty eradication as poverty hinders the enjoyment of human rights. It stated that the transition had opened up an opportunity to create an environment free from corruption. It made a recommendation. 32. The Russian Federation acknowledged the steps that Kyrgyzstan had taken since its independence to establish the legal foundations for human rights and democracy. It noted the challenges ahead. It mentioned the high levels of poverty as one reason for political instability. It hoped for rapid normalization, through a return to the rule of law, the adoption of a new constitution and the holding of elections. 33. France recognized the Government’s commitment to re-establishing legality, holding transparent elections and guaranteeing human rights protection. France expressed its readiness to cooperate. It expressed concern at allegations of torture and other forms of ill treatment, in particular relating to minors in detention. It also noted several communications based on allegations involving the intimidation and harassment of human rights defenders. France made recommendations. 34. Saudi Arabia noted the constitutional right to education and legal provisions aimed at compulsory primary education. It referred to the recommendation of the Committee on the Rights of the Child that efforts to combat dropping out of school be improved. It noted the improved legislation on human rights and basic freedoms as well as measures to improve the situation in the area of children’s rights. It made a recommendation. 35. Hungary welcomed the upcoming constitutional referendum and parliamentary elections. It emphasized that the Government should ensure the right to peaceful assembly and to vote, and the freedoms of association and speech. Hungary noted the cooperation shown during the visit by the Special Rapporteur on the independence of judges and lawyers, and commended efforts related to children’s rights. Hungary made recommendations. 36. Slovenia expressed concern at the deterioration of human rights, including a large number of unresolved cases involving the deaths of journalists. Slovenia referred to, inter alia, the imposition of controls over democratic freedoms through the blocking of independent news websites and the adoption of new legislation restricting the freedoms of assembly and religion. Slovenia made recommendations. 37. Palestine noted the challenges facing Kyrgyzstan in terms of insecurity, a high poverty rate and the situation of refugees. It noted the efforts made to improve the 7