A/HRC/22/16 35. Angola commended the Government of Sri Lanka’s decision to establish a NHRAP. It made recommendations. 36. Argentina commended Sri Lanka for adopting the National Plan of Action for the Promotion and Protection of Human Rights. It made recommendations. 37. The United States of America noted Sri Lanka’s positive steps, but remained concerned about its consolidation of executive power, the militarization of former conflict zones, and serious human rights violations, including disappearances, torture, extrajudicial killings, and threats to freedom of expression. It made recommendations. 38. Austria acknowledged the adoption of the NHRAP and the LLRC recommendations. Austria requested Sri Lanka to respond to allegations concerning limitations to freedom of assembly and expression and to reports of rape and sexual assault by security forces on Tamil women. It made recommendations. 39. Azerbaijan noted that Sri Lanka has integrated the MDGs into its national development agenda. It asked whether it is considering the adoption of conventions on the refugee protection. It welcomed internally displaced person (IDP) resettlement measures. It made recommendations. 40. Bahrain commended the Government’s efforts to strengthen women’s rights, its amendments to the penal code regarding sexual assault and its international cooperation to stop trafficking in persons. It made recommendations. 41. Bangladesh called upon the international community to provide assistance and cooperation to Sri Lanka in its efforts towards domestic reconciliation solutions based on equity, inclusiveness and its specificities. It made recommendations. 42. Belarus regretted the unbalanced nature of the information prepared for the UPR by OHCHR and the special procedures on Sri Lanka, which had reaffirmed its openness to reengage in dialogue by issuing an official invitation to OHCHR. 43. Belgium congratulated positive actions taken by Sri Lanka for displaced persons and adoption of the LLRC report and its plan of action but raised concerns about forced disappearances. It made recommendations. 44. Benin commended Sri Lanka on its measures on protecting the rights of children and IDPs, including the return of the latter’s possessions in compliance with relevant international regulations. It made recommendations. 45. Bhutan appreciated measures taken regarding the human rights and fundamental freedoms of its citizens and commended the NHRAP. It hoped the international community will extend its full cooperation and support. It made a recommendation. 46. The Plurinational State of Bolivia recognized that Sri Lanka was on the verge of achieving MDG 6, which includes inter alia eradicating extreme poverty, achieving universal primary education and gender equality. It made a recommendation. 47. Botswana asked the Government how it intended to respond to alleged violations of humanitarian and human rights law and to serious concerns, including from the SecretaryGeneral, of abuse and harassment of human rights defenders. It made a recommendation. 48. Brazil commended Sri Lanka for its IDP resettlement and demining programmes and welcomed the National Plan of Action for the Promotion and Protection of Human Rights and for implementation of the LLRC. It made recommendations. 49. Brunei Darussalam congratulated Sri Lanka on its commitment to promoting and protecting human rights. It welcomed Sri Lanka’s efforts to combat poverty, achieve MDGs and uphold the rights of children and persons with disabilities. 7