A/HRC/48/17 115. Nigeria took positive note of the efforts to tackle sexual and gender-based violence, as well as of women’s empowerment. 116. Pakistan commended efforts on poverty reduction, social safety nets for the most vulnerable, and the gender equality and women’s empowerment policy. 117. Paraguay thanked Sierra Leone for the presentation of its national report. 118. Peru recognized the progress achieved, in particular the adoption of the strategy to reduce teenage pregnancy and child marriage. 119. The Philippines expressed support for the efforts by Sierra Leone to address corruption and to strengthen protection of women and girls from violence. 120. Poland appreciated the growing respect for the rights of persons with disabilities and welcomed the declaration of the President on the abolishment of the death penalty. 121. Portugal welcomed the efforts of Sierra Leone to implement the universal periodic review recommendations. 122. Qatar commended progress in the education sector and encouraged additional efforts to mitigate the effects of COVID-19 on vulnerable groups. 123. The Russian Federation noted that the efforts to rectify the human rights situation, including with regard to women’s rights and domestic violence, were not enough. 124. Rwanda appreciated the launch of the Gender Equality and Women’s Empowerment Policy and the appointment of women to senior government positions. 125. Senegal commended the budget increase for the National Commission for Persons with Disability and the ratification and current domestication process of seven ILO conventions. 126. Serbia welcomed measures strengthening the independence of the judiciary and the efficient response to the COVID-19 pandemic. 127. Slovenia urged implementation of the National Strategy for the Reduction of Adolescent Pregnancy and Child Marriage. It was concerned about female genital mutilation. 128. Somalia commended various human rights laws and policies, and measures to preserve human rights during the COVID-19 pandemic. 129. South Africa commended the launch of six pilot one-stop centres to provide services to survivors of sexual and gender-based violence. 130. South Sudan commended the efforts to improve human rights and the engagement with international human rights mechanisms. 131. Spain welcomed progress in protecting the rights of girls and women. 132. Sri Lanka commended the justice sector reforms, the efforts against corruption, the strengthened health system capacity, the campaign to protect girls and the response to the COVID-19 pandemic. 133. The Sudan welcomed steps against corruption, including the amendment of the AntiCorruption Act. 134. Sweden welcomed the work undertaken to address violence against women and girls but stressed that serious challenges remained. 135. The Syrian Arab Republic noted that despite approved legal standards for protecting women’s rights, challenges continued because of social customs. 136. Timor-Leste congratulated Sierra Leone on the National Strategy for the Reduction of Adolescent Pregnancy and Child Marriage, the amended Citizenship Act, and progress regarding the civil registration system. 137. Togo welcomed the abolition of criminal defamation legislation and the ongoing constitutional review process. 9