A/HRC/33/14 41. Côte d’Ivoire welcomed progress made in the implementation of recommendations from the first review. It highlighted legal, institutional and administrative reforms to ensure the promotion and protection of human rights, in accordance with the country’s international obligations. 42. Cuba highlighted actions undertaken to improve gender equality and the provision of human rights training to law enforcement and judicial officials. It called on the international community to support Swaziland with regard to the technical assistance and capacitybuilding needs identified in its national report. 43. Cyprus welcomed the ratification of the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities and its Optional Protocol, as well as the 2014 extended national strategic framework on HIV/AIDS. It remained concerned about existing gender-based discrimination and violence against women, in particular in rural areas. 44. The Czech Republic warmly welcomed the delegation of Swaziland and the information provided. 45. Denmark noted that Swaziland had accepted recommendations during the first review to ratify the Optional Protocol to the Convention against Torture and other Cruel, Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment, and welcomed ongoing efforts in that regard. It asked about prospects for approval of the instrument by Parliament. 46. Djibouti was concerned about constitutional provisions that prevented children born to Swazi women and foreign fathers from obtaining nationality. It welcomed measures to ensure universal primary education but was concerned about social barriers that prevented young pregnant girls from continuing their education after giving birth. 47. Egypt welcomed efforts in the legislative sphere and the ratification of international human rights instruments, such as the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities and the Optional Protocol to the Convention on the Rights of the Child on the involvement of children in armed conflict, and commended action to combat HIV/AIDS. It urged Swaziland to pursue and strengthen work within the education sector, in particular secondary education. 48. Equatorial Guinea welcomed the establishment of the Human Rights Commission, the policy for the protection of children and initiatives for the promotion of gender equality. It invited the international community to provide technical and capacity-building assistance to Swaziland. 49. Ethiopia expressed appreciation for the enhancement of the legal framework for the protection of human rights, including for the full functioning of the Commission on Human Rights and Public Administration. It encouraged Swaziland to continue implementing policies on education, health and other sectors, leading to environmental sustainability. 50. France took note of measures taken by Swaziland since the first review, notably the ratification of the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities and the Optional Protocols to the Convention on the Rights of the Child. France asked the delegation to provide information on reforms foreseen to strengthen the independence of the judiciary. 51. Germany expressed concern about the human rights situation, in particular with regard to negative trends in the areas of freedom of expression and freedom of the press. It noted that political parties were still not able to participate in elections. 52. Ghana commended Swaziland for implementing recommendations of the first review, in particular the ratification of some international human rights instruments. It shared the concern of the United Nations country team in Swaziland regarding the high prevalence of HIV/AIDS. 8