A/HRC/41/2 the right to fair trial, efforts aimed to improve the penitentiary system, and protection of detainee rights. It was further encouraged by support for recommendations on promoting freedom of religion or belief and the rights to freedom of expression and peaceful assembly. It noted that Eritrea had made limited progress in the implementation of recommendations from the previous review. It recognized areas of progress, but urged Eritrea to address its human rights situation. 823. The United Republic of Tanzania commended Eritrea for its continued commitment to the implementation of supported recommendations. It stated that Eritrea should enhance food security by expanding irrigation systems across the country in order to further increase household and national food security. The State should also continue to invest in, and improve access to, good quality education across the board. 824. The Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela applauded the initiatives to improve the living standards of the population, in the areas of housing, education, health and public services. It valued the expansion of health service delivery in rural areas regarding access to free health services. It commended the progress made in ensuring access to safe drinking water, with 85 per cent coverage in rural areas and 92 per cent in urban areas. 825. Yemen welcomed the delegation of Eritrea and expressed appreciation for the national report, which provided an overview of the successes in the field of human rights. It appreciated the efforts made by Eritrea to promote and protect human rights in the country. 826. Afghanistan thanked the delegation of Eritrea for conveying its position on the recommendations from the review. It welcomed the decision by Eritrea to support recommendations made by Afghanistan, relating to reforming the national legal framework and strengthening the access to educations. 3. General comments made by other stakeholders 827. During the adoption of the outcome of the review of Eritrea, six other stakeholders made statements.** 828. East and Horn of Africa Human Rights Defenders Project welcomed the Eritrean Government’s support of recommendations on ratifying human rights instruments, cooperating with OHCHR, and guaranteeing women’s right, but expressed disappointment at the refusal by Eritrea to ratify the OP-CAT, criminalize marital rape, and to accept requests for visits by special procedure mandates holders. 829. Center for Global Nonkilling and Conscience and Peace Tax International (CPTI), in their joint statement, congratulated Eritrea for supporting all the recommendations on freedom of religion. It stated that there was a lot of work to be done, people and religious leaders to be freed, and health care centres to be reopened. It encouraged Eritrea to swiftly review its position regarding national and military services, to make sure that it was voluntary and of limited duration. 830. Human Rights Watch remained concern about the fact that Eritrea continued to subject its population to widespread forced labour and imposed restrictions on the freedom of expression, opinion and faith. It expressed regret that Eritrea had not supported any of the recommendations calling for a reform of the country’s indefinite national service and an ** The statements of stakeholders that were unable to deliver them owing to time constraints which were made available are posted on the extranet of the Human Rights Council, at https://extranet.ohchr.org/sites/hrc/HRCSessions/RegularSessions/41Session/Pages/default.aspx 129