A/HRC/15/60 international partners to reform the security sector, ensuring the primacy of the civilian government and the rule of law. The United Kingdom welcomed the commitment made by Guinea-Bissau to improve the human rights situation through its universal periodic review and to address the recommendations that enjoyed its support in a timely and focused manner. 685. Morocco noted the progress made by Guinea-Bissau, but also the difficulties it encountered and the unfavourable socio-economic conditions. It underscored GuineaBissau’s results in the area of good governance, rule of law and democracy, and stressed the need for the support of the international community. It paid tribute to the efforts made by Guinea-Bissau in seeking peaceful and consensual solutions to its difficulties. Morocco encouraged Guinea-Bissau to continue to consolidate its political and judicial institutions in order to ensure unity and integrity, and to bring lasting peace and stability. 686. Senegal noted the acceptance by Guinea-Bissau of most of the recommendations and its commitment to promote and protect human rights further. This commitment should be maintained by following through the reforms already embarked upon in several sectors, including fighting trafficking in human beings. Senegal invited Guinea-Bissau to continue to cooperate fully with the human rights protection mechanisms, including special procedures. Senegal called on the international community to provide Guinea-Bissau with the aid and assistance it required. 687. Nigeria commended Guinea-Bissau for the additional information it had provided since the Working Group session in May 2010, as well as its constructive engagement. It was encouraged to note that Guinea-Bissau had accepted a substantial number of recommendations, and welcomed its initiatives and programmes to ensure that its people enjoyed human rights. Nigeria encouraged Guinea-Bissau to follow up on the accepted recommendations and to continue to cooperate with the United Nations human rights mechanisms, and called on the international community to provide assistance and to share best practices, which would allow Guinea-Bissau to fulfil its human rights obligations. 688. The Democratic Republic of the Congo congratulated Guinea-Bissau on having accepted the recommendation it made with regard to its adhesion to international human rights instruments, and recommended in particular the ratification of the Convention against Torture and Other Cruel, Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment. It encouraged Guinea-Bissau to continue to improve the education system, notably the creation of a school for persons with disabilities. It called on the international community to support the reconstruction efforts in the country. 689. Angola acknowledged Guinea-Bissau’s political commitment to improve the human rights situation, even though its recent past had been marked by tragic events. Angola recognized the efforts made to combat poverty, and welcomed the series of programmes launched to strengthen its institutional capacity. Guinea-Bissau had pledged to reduce maternal and child mortality rates. Political and institutional stability was, however, crucial and decisive. Guinea-Bissau’s recovery would come about only when there was political stability and peace; it was therefore necessary for the international community to provide support for, above all, the reform of defence and security forces. 3. General comments made by other relevant stakeholders 690. Amnesty International welcomed Guinea-Bissau’s support for a number of recommendations, including on the adoption of a law criminalizing female genital mutilation, and encouraged Guinea-Bissau to reconsider the recommendation to take measures to combat other harmful traditional practices. It welcomed Guinea-Bissau’s support for recommendations to ratify international human rights treaties and urged it to proceed without delay. It regretted the fact that Guinea-Bissau did not support five GE.11-17043 185