A/HRC/48/17 17. Turkey highlighted efforts on education, anti-corruption, social security, civil registration and vital statistics, gender equality and measures against sexual violence. 18. Uganda commended the COVID-19 response, and the inclusion of pregnant girls in education, and encouraged Sierra Leone to further protect girls against all forms of sexual violence. 19. Ukraine urged further efforts against sexual and gender-based violence, including female genital mutilation. It welcomed the Independent Media Commission Act, measures against corruption and improvements to the judicial system. 20. The United Arab Emirates appreciated measures taken to improve vulnerable groups’ standards of living, including supporting relevant national institutions. 21. The United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland urged Sierra Leone to protect freedom of expression, including in digital space. It welcomed steps to abolish the death penalty. 22. The United States of America commended the signing into law of the Public Order (Amendment) Act, which decriminalized seditious libel and slander. It was concerned about excessive use of force by law enforcement authorities, often carried out with impunity. 23. Uruguay welcomed the Gender Equality and Women’s Empowerment Policy, the withdrawal of the ban on pregnant girls from school, and the announcement of the abolishment of the death penalty. 24. Zambia commended Sierra Leone for having ratified seven of the nine human rights treaties. 25. Zimbabwe praised the country’s COVID-19 package, the scrapping of the ban on pregnant girls from education, and the Gender Equality and Women’s Empowerment Policy. 26. The Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela appreciated the COVID-19 policies, the decision to allow pregnant girls to attend schools, and measures against sexual and genderbased violence, including female genital mutilation. 27. Albania welcomed the announcement of the abolishment of the death penalty, and the policies adopted to combat violence against women and children. It encouraged Sierra Leone to eliminate violence against women. 28. Angola commended the adoption of the citizenship law and the measures adopted on child protection and gender mainstreaming. 29. Argentina commended the progress made in improving the civil registration system throughout the country. 30. Armenia welcomed the fact that the Global Alliance of National Human Rights Institutions had granted “A” status to the Human Rights Commission. 31. Australia commended the decision to allow girls who were pregnant or had a child to attend school and the establishment of centres for victims of sexual violence. 32. Azerbaijan acknowledged efforts regarding rights of women and girls, and persons with disabilities, commended policies on reducing poverty and on development, and encouraged Sierra Leone to take further measures to ensure women’s right to health. 33. Bahrain commended efforts to advance human rights, combat the COVID-19 pandemic and strengthen women’s empowerment. 34. Belgium welcomed the decriminalization of defamation and the lifting of the ban on pregnant girls attending school. 35. Botswana appreciated the legislative and administrative architecture promoting human rights, and commended efforts to address trafficking in women and children. 36. Brazil encouraged Sierra Leone to increase its efforts to eliminate female genital mutilation, child marriage and child labour and to empower persons with disabilities. 4