A/HRC/14/14 Government was improving the situation of women and girls with regard to violence. Germany stated that attacks on journalists and religious pressure were placing limitations on freedom of opinion and expression. It asked about measures to ensure the stability necessary for functioning media. It made recommendations. 34. Hungary inquired about measures taken to eliminate child labour and to guarantee the full enjoyment of freedom of religion, in particular the fact that the Constitution established that freedom of religion could be restricted if in conflict with Islamic law. It also requested information about measures to improve the level of education and to guarantee equal access to proper education. Hungary made a recommendation. 35. Denmark welcomed Iraq’s reforms. It was troubled by the short time between sentencing and executions, with limited access to judicial recourse. It was concerned that the number of Iraqis belonging to minorities appeared to be decreasing and that such groups remained exposed to violent attacks. The members of some groups had been deemed “heretics” by the clergy, thus legitimizing the killing of such individuals. Such practices should be actively countered. Denmark made recommendations. 36. Bahrain noted that, despite the difficulties resulting from the wars, the sanctions and the lack of security over the previous three decades, Iraq attached importance to promoting human rights as set out in its laws. It noted the improvement in the enjoyment by women of their rights and in their participation in public life. It commended the establishment of human rights units in ministries and the spreading of a culture of human rights. 37. The Republic of Korea highlighted the fact that peace, security, development and human rights were mutually reinforcing. It welcomed the legal framework for human rights put in place, but remained concerned about continuing reports of human rights violations, including arrest, detention, torture and ill treatment. It also stated that corruption could undermine trust in the rule of law. It made recommendations. 38. France expressed understanding with regard to the challenges faced by Iraq. It noted that the number of executions had significantly increased in recent years. France noted that many people had been killed on the basis of their sexual orientation and that the Iraqi Penal Code still criminalised homosexuality. France made recommendations. 39. Turkey welcomed the International Covenant for Iraq, aimed at providing stronger legal and institutional protection, particularly for vulnerable groups such as minorities, internally displaced persons, women and children. Turkey believed that democratic elections would provide an opportunity to establish a representative parliament and noted that attempts to exclude certain groups from the elections had the potential to create instability. It asked for further information about the ratification of the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities. 40. Pakistan noted the Government’s efforts to strengthen the institutional and legal framework to protect human rights. It also highlighted the fact that Iraq was party to most core international human rights instruments. It requested further details about the International Covenant with Iraq that commits domestication of international human rights, as well as the capacity-building of concerned officials and agencies. Pakistan made recommendations. 41. Malaysia fully appreciated the security situation, the challenges in implementing the rule of law and resource constraints. It was encouraged by the Government’s determination to improve the human rights situation and welcomed the close cooperation with human rights bodies. Malaysia was encouraged by efforts to establish a comprehensive plan for security and economic, political and social welfare. Malaysia made recommendations. 42. The United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland welcomed the improvements in women’s rights, detention conditions and minority rights, and was 7