A/HRC/41/17 organizations had been registered with the Ministry of the Interior as at the end of November 2018. Such a large number of civil society organizations was clear and convincing evidence of the open space available for civil society. Unfortunately, a number of the organizations, behind the veil of supposedly humanitarian or development activities, were in fact deeply engaged in political activities funded by foreign institutions and Governments. Cambodia appreciated the genuine and honest contribution of social, environmental and human rights workers to the development of the country. However, no one was above the law, and offenders would be subject to the full force of the law, including those who used and exploited the rights agenda for political purposes. 85. Cambodia also referred to several positive points raised by the Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights in Cambodia in her end of mission statement of 8 November 2018. She had welcomed the recent creation of a government working group, under the leadership of the Ministry of the Interior, to consult regularly with civil society. She had also welcomed the new directive No. 040 of 31 October 2018 issued by the Ministry of the Interior to subnational authorities on 31 October 2018, repealing the requirement for advance notice of three days. 86. Cambodia had ratified eight out of the nine core international human rights instruments. The Government had also been studying different factors in order to determine the appropriate time and conditions for Cambodia to accede to or ratify other international treaties. 87. Viet Nam welcomed the continued commitment and efforts made to protect and promote human rights, especially the rights of vulnerable groups. It commended the State’s achievements in recent years, including poverty reduction, gender equality, universal primary education and access to health-care services. 88. Yemen welcomed the enactment by the Government of several human rights laws, including the law on the organization of courts, the special law on the status of judges and prosecutors, and the law on the Supreme Judicial Council. It also welcomed the achievements in the field of public services, development and poverty reduction. 89. Algeria noted with satisfaction the establishment of a national mechanism for the prevention of torture and the adoption of laws aimed at protecting the rights of persons with disabilities and children against degrading treatment, forced labour and sexual violence. Algeria encouraged Cambodia to continue its judicial reforms. 90. Argentina commended Cambodia for having established the National Committee against Torture as its national preventive mechanism. 91. Australia welcomed the national action plan to prevent violence against women. It remained concerned about the constrained democratic space and the restrictions on freedom of peaceful assembly and association. 92. Austria recognized the efforts made to settle outstanding claims in the land sector. It was seriously concerned about the deteriorating situation with regard to the rule of law. It was also concerned about the impartiality of the judiciary. 93. Azerbaijan welcomed the improvements in the health sector, including the adoption of the health strategic plan for 2016–2020. It also welcomed the fact that poverty had declined and that cooperation had been strengthened with partners for the implementation of programmes aimed at rural development and poverty reduction. 94. Belgium welcomed the State’s cooperation with the Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights in Cambodia. It was concerned about the shrinking space for civil society and the lack of judicial independence. 95. Benin welcomed the efforts made to promote and protect human rights following the State’s second review, in particular its ratification of several international treaties. 96. Bhutan noted with appreciation the judicial reforms undertaken, particularly the adoption of legislation on the judiciary, and the organization and functioning of the Supreme Council of Magistracy. Bhutan also noted the measures taken to educate and train civil servants and law enforcement agencies on human rights. 9