A/HRC/13/8 B. Interactive dialogue and responses by the State under review 28. During the interactive dialogue 59 delegations made statements. A number of delegations thanked the Government for the comprehensive national report, prepared through a large consultation process; for its comprehensive presentation; and for responses to advance questions that allowed for an assessment of its human rights promotion and protection efforts. Recommendations make during the interactive dialogue are to be found in section II of the present report. 29. Cuba appreciated the major efforts and political will of the Democratic Republic of the Congo to promote and protect human rights and noted positive developments in the institutional field, particularly regarding the protection of women and children rights. It urged the international community, particularly the developed countries, to step up economic cooperation with the Democratic Republic of the Congo. 30. Canada welcomed the cooperation with special procedures and the elaboration of the “zero tolerance” policy regarding sexual violence. It expressed concern about human rights violations by elements of the armed forces and armed groups. It expressed concern at the intimidation of human rights defenders and journalists. Canada made recommendations. 31. Belgium noted that serious human rights violations continued to be committed in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. It welcomed the 2006 law on sexual violence and the campaign “zero children in forces and armed groups”. It expressed concerns about child rights, particularly the important number of child soldiers and the situation of human rights defenders. Belgium made recommendations. 32. The United Kingdom welcomed the commitment of the Democratic Republic of the Congo to improving human rights and the announcement of zero tolerance policy towards sexual violence. It noted the extremely high number of human rights violations and abuses, particularly in the eastern part of the country. It welcomed the unprecedented number of members of the Forces démocratiques de liberation du Rwanda (FDLR) repatriated under the disarmament, demobilization, repatriation, resettlement and reintegration programme. It was pleased with the good past cooperation with the International Criminal Court and asked when the Government plans to deliver Bosco Ntaganda to this Court. The United Kingdom made recommendations. 33. The Netherlands acknowledged the adoption of a “zero tolerance” approach, but noted that higher ranking officers of the Armed Forces were rarely sentenced. It noted reports that human rights defenders were regularly faced with threats and harassment. While recognizing initiatives to improve prisons situation, it noted that some poor living and health conditions in prisons remained. It made recommendations. 34. Belarus noted with satisfaction the number of legislative initiatives, particularly the adoption of a law for the protection of child rights and to combat sexual violence. Belarus noted efforts to combat pandemics and ensure access to medical services, welcomed the willingness of the Democratic Republic of the Congo to combat corruption and made recommendations. 35. Denmark expressed deep concern on impunity related to widespread sexual violence crimes perpetrated by members of army, police and militia groups. Denmark noted the law on sexual violence, but questioned the Government on its application and other measures to be taken to stop this practise and end impunity. Denmark made recommendations. 36. France noted that women continued to be victims of sexual violence committed by the armed forces and rebel groups. While welcoming that the fight against impunity was raised to constitutional level, France noted that the independence and resources of the 6 GE.10-10154