A/HRC/22/5 illustrated by the recent closure of two opposition newspapers without a transparent process. It made a recommendation. 83. The United States of America applauded Gabon for its efforts to address human trafficking to ensure that victims of human trafficking receive access to necessary protective services. It was however concerned by the increased restrictions on the media and freedom of expression. It encouraged efforts towards even broader engagement with civil society. It made recommendations. 84. Uruguay welcomed progress made by Gabon since its first review in 2008, notably the ratification of three main international human rights instruments, the abolition of the death penalty and the establishment of the crime on trafficking. It made reference to the problem of trafficking in persons, as noted by the Special Rapporteur on trafficking who visited the country in 2012, with the worst forms being in the domestic work for young girls, servitude and force and early marriage. Uruguay made recommendations. 85. The Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela noted that, notwithstanding the economic challenges confronting Gabon, it shared its progress and challenges in the area of human rights at this review. It noted the functioning of the National Human Rights Commission, which has been subject of reforms to bring it in line with the Paris Principles. It noted progress made in the ratification of international human rights instruments, and its commitment to abolish the death penalty. Venezuela made a recommendation. 86. Algeria was encouraged with the progress made in several areas in implementing recommendations, particularly the ones made by Algeria on the right to education through raising school attendance and achieving the objectives of the 10-years pact for education. Gabon had taken significant steps protection of children and in health area. Those efforts need to be consolidated through international cooperation. Gabon made progress in other areas including the ratification of international instruments and the level of cooperate with human rights mechanisms and the operationalization of the National Human Rights Commission. Algeria made recommendations. 87. Angola noted the ratification of several international instruments in the areas of human rights, and most importantly the abolition of the death penalty. This reflects the commitment of Gabon to ensure human dignity and to the promotion and protection of human rights and welcomed the legal reforms resulting from the first cycle. It noted measures taken, such as free elementary and primary education mandatory for everyone. Angola made recommendations. 88. Argentina commended Gabon for the ratification of CPED, the Rome Statute of ICC and OP-CAT. It further welcomed the abolition of the death penalty. Argentina made recommendations. 89. Australia commended the abolition of the death penalty. It commended the Government for expanding free medical care and free anti-retroviral drugs to all persons testing HIV including refugees and pregnant HIV-positive women. It noted with concern reports that media laws are used to restrict political criticism and opposition support. Australia made recommendations. 90. Bangladesh noted the legal provisions guaranteeing the rights of migrant workers and their family members. Bangladesh praised the high school-enrolment rate with almost full gender parity. It praised the high level of participation of women in senior posts in public administration, private sector and decision-making bodies. Bangladesh made a recommendation. 91. The delegation said it was grateful for the interest shown in Gabon and above all in human dignity, and emphasized that the concerns put forward were shared by the Gabonese Government. 12 GE.12-18722