A/HRC/39/7 21. Czechia noted with interest the State’s adoption of its action strategy on five priority areas of development in Uzbekistan for 2017–2021. 22. The Democratic People’s Republic of Korea welcomed the ratification of several international instruments, the national plan of action for 2014���2016, the strengthened dialogue and cooperation with United Nations mechanisms and the consolidation of the legislative framework for human rights. 23. Denmark emphasized that dialogue with the Subcommittee on Prevention of Torture and Other Cruel, Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment was highly valuable to all States working to prevent torture and ill-treatment. The Convention against Torture Initiative stood ready to explore avenues to assist Uzbekistan. 24. Egypt welcomed the efforts made by Uzbekistan to counter corruption and human trafficking, and to establish mechanisms to promote and protect civil and political rights in the country. 25. Estonia expressed its concern regarding the situation of freedoms of expression, assembly, association and movement, and at reports of harassment, surveillance, arbitrary arrest and detention, torture and ill-treatment of journalists and human rights defenders. 26. Finland remained concerned about continued reports of torture and ill-treatment in detention and of forced labour, especially in the cotton harvesting sector. It urged Uzbekistan to ensure respect for the freedoms of expression, association and assembly, in accordance with international human rights standards. 27. France welcomed the improvements made to the legislative framework of the rule of law and the reforms in the justice sector. It also noted the reduction in the incidence of forced labour and the greater space accorded to civil society. 28. Georgia welcomed the national plan of action for the implementation of recommendations made by international human rights mechanisms and the State’s cooperation with OHCHR. It encouraged Uzbekistan to take steps to ensure that relevant policies and legislation were in full compliance with international standards. 29. Germany welcomed the reforms made by Uzbekistan and its commitment to abolishing child and forced labour, to releasing political detainees and to preventing torture. It remained concerned about restrictions on civil society and NGOs, and ongoing reports of torture in prisons. 30. Ghana welcomed the progress made in protecting the rights of persons with disabilities. It expressed concern, however, about alleged cases of unlawful arrest, detention, torture, ill-treatment and conviction of members of religious minorities. 31. Greece welcomed the national plan of action (2014–2016) to implement the recommendations made by international human rights mechanisms. It also welcomed the recent visit by the Special Rapporteur on freedom of religion or belief to Uzbekistan. 32. Paraguay applauded the national plan of action for the implementation of recommendations made by the treaty bodies, particularly the State’s plan to develop cooperation with OHCHR. The coordination of efforts was crucial to the ratification of human rights instruments. 33. Hungary commended the release of political prisoners and the lowering of restrictions on freedom of expression. It welcomed the visits conducted in 2017 by the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights and the Special Rapporteur on freedom of religion or belief, and also welcomed the road map on cooperation with OHCHR. 34. While welcoming the adoption of a plan of action to combat trafficking in persons, Iceland expressed its concern at the lack of investigations into prosecution of and convictions on trafficking in women and girls. 35. India appreciated the consolidation of the legal status of the Office of the Human Rights Commissioner and the greater effectiveness of the National Centre for Human 4