A/HRC/40/12 69. Tunisia expressed appreciation for the efforts made to promote and protect human rights in spite of the challenging situation in the country. 70. Ukraine welcomed the adoption of the Constitution and the establishment of the National Commission on Human Rights and Fundamental Freedoms. However, it expressed concern about the escalation of violence and human rights abuses. It expressed the hope that perpetrators would be brought to justice. 71. The United Kingdom welcomed the inaugural session of the Special Criminal Court. However, it remained concerned about reports of sexual exploitation of children, including through trafficking, prostitution and early and forced marriages, and the continued existence of the death penalty. 72. The United States of America acknowledged the country’s efforts to strengthen justice, accountability and the rule of law. However, it was concerned about reports of widespread abuses by armed groups and urged the Government to step up efforts to hold accountable both government and non-government actors responsible for human rights abuses and violations. 73. The delegation of the Central African Republic said that the Government was striving to make respect for human rights a reality. To that end, the Special Criminal Court and the National Commission on Human Rights and Fundamental Freedoms had been established and a policy of zero tolerance for impunity was being pursued. 74. In keeping with the Government’s desire to abolish the death penalty, a Code of Military Justice that did not provide for the death penalty had been adopted. In parallel, action had been taken in recent months by a working group – led by civil society – with a view to amending the Criminal Code and ratifying the Optional Protocol to the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights. 75. With regard to the issue of sexual violence, particularly against women, the Act against Sexual Violence had been adopted and the joint intervention unit had been made operational with support from the international community. 76. As to the National Commission on Human Rights and Fundamental Freedoms, a committee had been set up to discuss options for accessing international assistance. In addition, the Commission had been allocated premises and the Finance Act – currently being discussed in the National Assembly – provided for a budget for the Commission. 77. Concerning the serious human rights violations and crimes committed by rebel groups, the Government intended to combat impunity through the establishment of the Special Criminal Court and the redeployment of members of the justice system, particularly judges, to their respective jurisdictions. 78. When it came to child soldiers, the Optional Protocol to the Convention on the Rights of the Child on the involvement of children in armed conflict had been ratified and a working group was engaged in discussions with a view to drafting a specific law to protect children against forced recruitment by armed groups and to punish the leaders of armed groups who recruited child soldiers. 79. Uruguay welcomed the country’s accession to a large number of international human rights instruments in the previous two years and the establishment of the National Commission on Human Rights and Fundamental Freedoms. 80. The Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela welcomed the efforts to give effect to recommendations made as part of the review, measures taken to abolish the death penalty, efforts made in education and the fight against poverty and the establishment of the National Commission on Human Rights and Fundamental Freedoms. 81. Viet Nam welcomed the adoption of legislation and the establishment of new institutions designed to consolidate the rule of law and strengthen the general framework for the promotion and protection of human rights. 82. Zimbabwe noted the adoption of laws and a number of policy measures, such as the National Recovery and Peacebuilding Plan and the National Education Sector Strategy, and 8 GE.19-00176