A/HRC/17/2 591. The Niger thanked the Human Rights Council for its endless efforts to protect and promote human rights around the world. 2. Views expressed by Member and observer States of the Human Rights Council on the review outcome 592. Algeria noted that, after a difficult period, the Niger had strengthened its democracy and showed determination in addressing other challenges, such as achieving development and overcoming food insecurity. In order to continue these efforts, the Niger needed the support of the international community. Algeria observed the tangible progress made in the area of human rights, and encouraged the Niger to continue to follow a human rights-based approach in its policies and development projects. It wished the Niger success in implementing the recommendations that it had accepted. 593. Cuba noted that the Niger had elaborated a strategy to accelerate development and reduce poverty during the period 2008–2012, consistent with the priority accorded by the Government to the protection and promotion of human rights. Education in the Niger was free, and a number of programmes to improve access to health services had been put in place. Measures had also been taken to improve food security and access to drinking water. Cuba was pleased to note that the Niger had accepted many recommendations, including those made by Cuba. 594. Belgium noted that, although the death penalty had not been applied in the Niger since 1975, it had not been abolished in law either. Belgium closely followed the discussions held on this subject in the Niger. Noting that the Niger had taken measures aimed at acceding to the second Optional Protocol to the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, Belgium hoped that the Niger would proceed to abolish the death penalty. With regard to discrimination against women, Belgium thanked the Niger for having accepted its recommendation to take further measures for the effective implementation of the prohibition of female genital mutilation. Belgium took note of the steps taken by the Niger to withdraw its reservations to articles 2 and 16 of the Convention on the Elimination of Discrimination against Women. 595. Burkina Faso noted that the information provided by the Niger reflected its clear determination to continue its efforts to promote and protect human rights. It welcomed the acceptance of a large number of recommendations by the Niger and encouraged their implementation. Burkina Faso remained open to sharing experiences and best practices with the Niger in the implementation of recommendations. 596. Nigeria welcomed the steps taken to date by the Niger to implement the numerous recommendations adopted during its review, despite the many challenges it faced. It encouraged the Niger to continue its efforts to promote and protect human rights, and called on the international community to provide all the technical assistance necessary for the Niger to better implement the recommendations accepted and to reach its developmental goals and targets. Nigeria recommended that the Human Rights Council should adopt the report of the universal periodic review of the Niger. 597. Senegal stated that the acceptance by the Niger of many recommendations reflected its willingness to improve its human rights situation. Senegal was particularly pleased by the follow-up to the recommendations relating to the promotion of women’s and children’s rights and the rights to education, health and food. The clarifications provided by the delegation of the Niger and the reiteration of its commitments made in January 2011, on the ratification of international instruments, cooperation with international mechanisms and approach to gender issues had drawn the attention of Senegal, which was convinced that the end of the political transition in April 2011 would grant the Niger the expected results in the field of human rights. GE.12-13630 173