A/HRC/21/4 mechanism for the prevention of torture and efforts to guarantee the rights of persons with disabilities. Costa Rica made recommendations. 44. Cuba praised Ecuador for its progress in the implementation of the recommendations from their first universal periodic review and asked Ecuador to provide more information on programmes to implement the principle of food sovereignty included in the Constitution. Cuba made a recommendation. 45. The Democratic People’s Republic of Korea welcomed initiatives to include human rights programmes and training in the strategic plan for the modernization of the police forces. It recognized that the Constitution of Ecuador stipulated attention to persons with disabilities. Democratic People’s Republic of Korea made recommendations. 46. Djibouti commended Ecuador for its reform of the education system. It appreciated the spirit of the National Plan for Good Living 2009-2013 and that it was enshrined in the Constitution. Djibouti made recommendations. 47. The Dominican Republic commended efforts to address poverty. It praised Ecuador for its Child Development Programme to protect the rights of children between 0 and 5 years. It wished to know more about efforts to improve the penitentiary conditions. The Dominican Republic made recommendations. 48. Egypt noted the consultations conducted by Ecuador for the preparation of the national report. It noted with interest the changes in the new Constitution, which is focused on the people. Egypt expressed its belief that Ecuador had been a responsible member of the Human Rights Council. Egypt made recommendations. 49. El Salvador took note of the efforts made in establishing democratic institutions and achievements in public policies. It congratulated Ecuador for the changes in the Constitution and legislation, such as the inclusion of African-descendent collective rights, as well as programmes to address discrimination based on sexual orientation. 50. Estonia noted positive changes since 2008 and welcomed legal provisions to prevent discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity. Estonia observed that the independence of the judiciary still remained a challenge and expressed concern about some policies in the area of freedom of the press. Estonia made a recommendation. 51. Ethiopia praised Ecuador for its engagement with the universal periodic review mechanism. It highlighted efforts made by Ecuador to promote the rights of indigenous, Afro-descendent and Montubio people. Ethiopia appreciated the progress made in the implementation of humanitarian law at different levels and asked Ecuador to explain more about the legal reforms. 52. Finland appreciated the measures taken by Ecuador to improve the protection of children, in particular in its Constitution, and programmes implemented on birth registration. It noted, however, that many children remained unregistered and asked about efforts to address this situation. Finland made recommendations. 53. Ecuador thanked delegations for the generous comments made. It noted that the definition of a policy for the promotion and protection of human rights was the vital pillar that shaped the new Constitution. Ecuador was currently focused on generating conditions for “good living”. 54. The delegation indicated that persons deprived of their liberty were considered a priority group for State action. The budget had been increased and new detention centres to address overcrowding had been built. In addition, priority attention had been given to children who were living in the prisons with their mothers. Ecuador was also investing in the training of prison staff and wardens. 7