A/HRC/24/14 99. Gender equality had been given a high priority. Equal rights had been enshrined in the Constitution and legislation. The statistics documented a high employment rate for women, including in high-level decision-making positions in the public and private spheres. 100. Afghanistan noted with appreciation judicial reforms and the ratification of a number of international instruments since the first UPR cycle. 101. Algeria welcomed institutional and legislative reforms and efforts to ensure equal enjoyment of human rights, notably through strengthened human rights institutions and the establishment of human rights commissioners. 102. Angola commended the ratification of regional and international human rights instruments and the adoption of measures to ensure respect by the security forces for human rights and fundamental freedoms, to counter human trafficking and to promote gender issues. 103. Argentina praised the ratification of CRPD and the establishment of the Council for Coordination on Gender Issues. 104. Armenia noted legislative and administrative steps taken to enhance human rights, accession to several international human rights instruments and the cultural diversity prevalent in Russia. 105. Australia remained concerned by allegations of human rights abuses in the North Caucasus, at the protection afforded to whistle-blowers and civil rights restrictions on persons critical of the Government. 106. The Czech Republic was concerned about the continued harassment of human rights defenders and journalists and practices and amendments to legislation restricting NGOs. 107. Azerbaijan noted the ratification of international human rights instruments and cooperation with the United Nations special rapporteurs. It valued efforts in upholding children’s rights and combating violence against women. 108. Bangladesh commended the ratification of CRPD and action taken to guarantee the right to preserve traditions and culture and to protect the family and children. 109. Belarus welcomed the progress made since the 1st cycle of the UPR as well as the Russian Federation’s cooperation with the United Nations human rights mechanisms. It also welcomed the Russian Federation’s financial support to OHCHR and its role in ensuring the elimination of double standards in Human Rights Council work. 110. Belgium expressed concern about non-governmental organizations and the rights of LGBT persons. It asked what steps were envisaged to prevent new legislation from imposing financial or administrative obstacles on NGOs. 111. Benin welcomed legislative reforms and endeavours to bring prison conditions into line with international standards. It encouraged the imposition of penalties provided for in the Criminal Code to protect women against violence and efforts to provide adequate housing. 112. The Plurinational State of Bolivia welcomed efforts to promote and protect the rights of children and the family, the rights to social security and to education for persons with disabilities, and the ratification of international human rights instruments. 113. Bosnia and Herzegovina commended measures to enhance social security and welfare, ratification of key international instruments, judicial, administrative and institutional reforms. It encouraged the Russian Federation to further enhance its engagements and commitment to protect human rights. 11