A/HRC/29/9 availability of resources and capacity, as well society’s receptiveness to those human rights practices. 33. Lesotho appreciated the technical and financial support as well as the good cooperation from several United Nations agencies and countries. The delegation also expressed appreciation for the cooperation in the preparation of the National Report and for the advance questions received, and looked forward to a constructive dialogue. B. Interactive dialogue and responses by the State under review 34. During the interactive dialogue, 64 delegations made statements. Recommendations made during the dialogue can be found in section II of the present report. 35. The Democratic Republic of the Congo commended the progress by Lesotho and willingness to improve human rights, despite challenges. It noted the Strategic National Development Plan aimed at reducing poverty, free education, and measures to combat corruption and promote the rights of women, children, elderly and persons with disabilities. It welcomed international cooperation with Lesotho. 36. Denmark noted permission granted to allow bodies such as the International Committee of the Red Cross to visit and inspect correctional institutions and make recommendations, but noted that it had not taken steps towards ratifying the Optional Protocol to the Convention against Torture and Other Cruel, Inhuman or Degrading Treatment (OP–CAT). It also referred to an initiative by the Committee against Torture which aimed to assist governments to overcome obstacles to ratification and implementation of the Convention, as an avenue to assist Lesotho. 37. Djibouti appreciated the efforts by Lesotho to comply with previous recommendations, despite challenges. It congratulated Lesotho on the adoption of the Law for the protection and well-being of children and persons with disabilities. It called on the international community to provide technical assistance to Lesotho. 38. Egypt noted the approach taken by Lesotho regarding the promotion of human rights in the country and significant steps taken to establish the Children’s Court; to enact the Anti-Trafficking in Persons Act (2011), the Children’s Protection and Welfare Act (2011), and the Education Act (2010), providing for free and compulsory primary education. 39. Ethiopia noted the achievements of Lesotho in the areas of peace and political stability, gender equality, dispensation of justice, registration of a high literacy rate, human resource development, and increased coverage of public service provision. It noted with appreciation the emphasis on alleviating poverty, ensuring food security and reducing unemployment. 40. France commended progress on stabilizing Lesotho after the political crisis of 2014 and expressed its wish that the general elections of 2015 would take place in line with democratic rules and human rights. It congratulated Lesotho on its ratification of ICPPED. 41. Gabon noted the ratification of a number of international human rights instruments, the adoption of a law on child welfare, and the adoption of measures for orphans, children and other vulnerable populations to guarantee their rights to education and health. 42. Germany welcomed the progress made in the fields of child protection, elimination of discrimination against women and political participation of women since the previous universal periodic review. It remained concerned about the continued high prevalence of violence against women and issues of discrimination and non-equality, as well as child sexual abuse, forced child/early marriage, and child labour. 7