A/HRC/48/5 on protection, support and assistance for girls attending schools. The law on female genital mutilation had been adopted in 2003, and a law on gender-based violence would soon be submitted to the National Assembly. 53. With regard to access for humanitarian organizations to certain parts of the country, the Government was aware of the contribution those organizations made to the country’s development and was doing its utmost to help them to carry out their work in safety. 54. Georgia welcomed the ratification of several international instruments, including the Paris Agreement on climate change, and the creation of new structures for the promotion and protection of human rights. 55. Germany, while commending the Niger for its functioning and strong national human rights institutions, remained concerned about findings regarding extrajudicial killings by security forces. 56. Ghana was pleased to note the ratification of international instruments, the reform of the judicial and penitentiary systems, and the significant progress made with regard to the rights to health, education and food security, as well as to protect persons in vulnerable situations. 57. The Holy See welcomed the establishment of the National Commission for Combating Trafficking in Persons and Illegal Trafficking of Migrants and the adoption of the National Plan of Action to Combat Slavery and Similar Practices. 58. Iceland noted the positive steps taken by the Government, such as developing the National Gender-based Violence Prevention and Response Strategy. 59. India welcomed the measures taken for the progressive realization of economic, social and cultural rights, such as adoption of the National Gender-based Violence Prevention and Response Strategy and the Sustainable Development and Inclusive Growth Strategy. 60. Indonesia welcomed the inclusion of human rights education in school curricula with a view to raising awareness of human rights among the public in general. 61. The Islamic Republic of Iran hailed progress made in promoting and protecting human rights, in particular in combating human trafficking and the smuggling of migrants, through the development by the relevant national commission of the second action plan. 62. Iraq commended efforts to eradicate food insecurity, hunger and malnutrition. It encouraged the Niger to continue efforts to improve people’s living conditions and promote economic and social development. 63. Ireland was concerned at the situation of human rights defenders and journalists and encouraged the Niger to protect civic space. It was also concerned at the high rates of child marriage and the persistence of female genital mutilation. 64. Italy welcomed the commitment of the Niger to the implementation of the Group of Five for the Sahel Compliance Framework and its efforts to counter trafficking in human beings. 65. Japan commended the consolidation of democracy and the positive steps taken to protect the rights of women and children, including the adoption of the National Genderbased Violence Prevention and Response Strategy and a national strategic plan to end child marriage. 66. Kenya applauded the Niger for its dedication to honouring its international commitments and promoting human rights and for its ratification of the Convention on the Rights of the Child. 67. Latvia made recommendations. 68. Lesotho noted the steps taken to address all forms of slavery by implementing the National Plan of Action to Combat Slavery and Similar Practices (2019–2021), with a view to reducing the traditional practice of slavery among certain ethnic groups. 69. Libya commended the progress made in various fields towards prosperity, development and improvement of the standard of living, according to the national action plan. 6 GE.21-09329