A/HRC/29/12 of the national law criminalizing female genital mutilation, the campaigns to raise awareness of violence against women, and the creation of the children’s parliament. It made recommendations. 68. Senegal welcomed the fact that, despite a difficult economic climate, Guinea-Bissau had continued to work towards promoting and protecting human rights. It also welcomed the adoption of the law against human trafficking and the law to combat domestic violence, as well as the initiatives taken to favour vulnerable groups such as women and children. It invited the international community to provide technical and financial support for the implementation of the recommendations of the second cycle. It made recommendations. 69. Sierra Leone congratulated Guinea-Bissau on the successful holding of elections in 2014. It asked how the children’s parliament worked and what issues it addressed. It urged Guinea-Bissau to seek international assistance to meet the financial and technical challenges that had impeded the promulgation of human rights in the country. It recommended the establishment of a human rights institution in accordance with the Paris Principles. It expressed concern at the poor performance in the social sectors of health and education, and urged the international community to assist in addressing the multiple needs in those sectors. It made recommendations. 70. Singapore recognized the steps taken to educate women about their rights through public awareness campaigns. It noted that the Women’s Economic Activity Organization and the Network of Agricultural Women had played an important role in empowering women through training, credit, and the development of income-generating activities. Singapore noted the efforts made to promote education via the extension of free primary education to students up to grade 6 and exemption from registration fees for the year 2014/15, as well as the reforms in the justice sector. It made recommendations. 71. Slovenia welcomed the ratification of several human rights treaties, the issuance of a standing invitation to special procedures mandate holders, the prohibition of the death penalty, the criminalization of female genital mutilation, and the adoption of legislation on domestic violence and human trafficking. Slovenia shared the concerns of the Security Council with regard to violations and abuses of human rights and the atmosphere of residual political tension in the country, and recalled the remarks of the Secretary-General that it would be critical for the authorities to ensure the sustainable functioning of State institutions and the timely delivery of basic services. It made recommendations. 72. South Africa commended Guinea-Bissau on the peaceful general elections held 2014, the return to constitutional order, and the new Government’s commitment inclusiveness, tolerance, and the initiation of reforms. It encouraged Guinea-Bissau continue its efforts to promote, protect and fulfil all human rights, including the right development. It made recommendations. in to to to 73. Spain noted the need to reform the judicial and penitentiary systems. It welcomed the law on reproductive health, which set the minimum age for marriage at 18 years, but was concerned at the increase in early and forced marriages. It commended the law of 2011 prohibiting female genital mutilation and cutting, and the National Committee for the Elimination of Harmful Practices, but noted that it seemed that cases of female genital mutilation were increasing among girls. It made recommendations. 74. The Sudan commended Guinea-Bissau on the holding of peaceful elections in 2014, and appreciated the important legislative and policymaking developments aimed at providing further protection for human rights. The Sudan noted with satisfaction the National Policy for the Justice Sector 2010–2015, the National Health Development Plan, the National Strategy for Poverty Reduction, and the national plan to combat drugs. It made recommendations. GE.15-07685 11