A/HRC/31/13 9. In the justice sector, knowledge had been disseminated through international seminars. The Union Election Commission would be conducting free and fair elections, and international observers from all over the world were in Myanmar. A national ceasefire agreement with eight ethnic groups had been signed. 10. Internationally, Myanmar had held international legal forums and hosted the Southeast Asian Games in 2013, the Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-Sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation summit in 2014, the twenty-fourth and twenty-fifth Association of Southeast Asian Nations summits, the seventh summit of Cambodia, the Lao People’s Democratic Republic, Myanmar and Viet Nam and the sixth Ayeyawady-Chao PhrayaMekong Economic Cooperation Strategy summit. 11. The Attorney-General emphasized that Myanmar was endeavouring to overcome challenges by using its resources and strength. Myanmar was making every effort to become a democratic society and, therefore, the international community was expected to continue its constructive engagement with and assistance for Myanmar. B. Interactive dialogue and responses by the State under review 12. During the interactive dialogue, 93 delegations made statements. Recommendations made during the dialogue are to be found in section II of the present report. 13. The Sudan welcomed the delegation of Myanmar. 14. Sweden expressed concern about issues relating to women, the Rohingya ethnic group, and health care within the country. 15. Switzerland expressed concern about allegations of human rights violations and about the non-ratification of many international human rights instruments. 16. Thailand commended the progress made since the first universal periodic review, in particular through constitutional and legislative reforms. 17. Timor-Leste encouraged Myanmar to redouble its efforts to prevent the escalation of ethnic-based conflict. 18. Turkey expressed serious concern that Rohingya would be deprived of their right to vote in the upcoming election. 19. Ukraine commended the signing of the nationwide ceasefire agreement and noted that holding free and fair elections in 2015 was the next critical step. 20. The United Kingdom expressed concern about, inter alia, mistreatment of Rohingya and inter-communal tensions. 21. The United States remained troubled by forced labour and intercommunal tensions in Myanmar, government actions rendering the Rohingya stateless and restrictions on some fundamental freedoms, and encouraged the Government to engage with all relevant stakeholders in pursuing peace. 22. Uruguay expressed concern at reports on new laws that discriminated against women and religious minorities. 23. Belarus noted with satisfaction political, social, economic and administrative reforms and the establishment of a national human rights institution. 24. Viet Nam commended the significant progress achieved in recent years in promoting and protecting human rights. 4