A/HRC/48/17 59. Finland appreciated the engagement of Sierra Leone in the universal periodic review process. 60. France encouraged continued efforts to protect human rights. 61. Gabon welcomed the steps to protect vulnerable groups and the 2017 policy guaranteeing equal rights for women and men with regard to land resources. 62. Georgia appreciated the intention to abolish the death penalty. Georgia acknowledged continued efforts to end female genital mutilation. 63. Germany commended the special court on sexual and gender-based violence and the revocation of the law preventing pregnant girls and mothers from attending school. It regretted cases of female genital mutilation, police violence and the death penalty. 64. Ghana praised the Independent Police Complaints Board, the National AntiCorruption Strategy and the Poverty Reduction Strategy Paper. It commended the policy of “radical inclusion and comprehensive safety” for universal education. 65. The Holy See acknowledged efforts in tackling the COVID-19 pandemic. It welcomed the Free Quality Education Scheme. 66. Iceland welcomed the national report, and the steps outlined and hoped for their continued implementation. 67. The delegation indicated that, in addition to its efforts to ratify the core human rights treaties, periodic reports had been submitted to treaty bodies, and the Government had extended a standing open invitation to all Human Rights Council special procedure mandate holders. The Government would favourably consider reviewing outstanding human rights treaties with the aim of ratifying them. 68. In addition, in July 2019, seven protocols and conventions of the International Labour Organization had been ratified by Sierra Leone, showing the country’s commitment to domesticating these instruments. 69. Regarding the country’s national mechanism for implementation, reporting and follow-up, the delegation expressed its gratitude to OHCHR for its support with the National Recommendations Tracking Database. Sierra Leone would incorporate the database into its revised National Reporting Strategy and its Human Rights Action Plan. The authorities looked forward to engaging with partners for further support for their efforts. 70. In 2017, the Special Rapporteur on the implications for human rights of the environmentally sound management and disposal of hazardous substances and wastes had visited Sierra Leone. In response to the Special Rapporteur’s recommendations, the country’s emergency preparedness and response capabilities had been strengthened. 71. The delegation appreciated the fact that the National Human Rights Commission of Sierra Leone continued to be supported by the United Nations Development Programme, OHCHR, the Embassy of Ireland, the Network of African National Human Rights Institutions, the Embassy of China and the Delegation of the European Union to Sierra Leone. 72. Policies and activities in areas such as pretrial detention, prison overcrowding and delays in the prosecution of cases had been developed. The authorities were working on a holistic criminal justice reform agenda, which included decluttering and upgrading detention facilities. 73. With respect to access to justice, a number of justice institutions had been established, including the Sexual Offences Model Court, the Anti-Corruption Specialized Court and the Legal Aid Board, and, according to the delegation, the authorities had continued to strengthen anti-corruption laws and the President, Julius Maada Bio, had insisted that no one be spared in the fight against corruption. 74. The judiciary enjoyed the constitutional guarantees of judicial independence, competence and impartiality, and its capacity had been strengthened. 75. The Government had abolished the death penalty and awaited the availability of Parliament in order to present the Amended Bills for enactment. 6