A/HRC/48/6 84. India noted challenges to protecting the right to health and, in particular, the need for specific strategies to address the COVID-19 pandemic. 85. Indonesia welcomed the efforts made to strengthen the capacity of national human rights institutions and the increased dialogue with civil society. 86. Iraq welcomed the decision by Mozambique to extend a standing invitation to the special procedures, as well as the progress made in the peace process. 87. Ireland acknowledged the efforts made to promote human rights but remained concerned about the shrinking democratic and civic space. 88. Italy welcomed the National Plan to Prevent and Combat Gender-Based Violence (2018–2021) and the 2019 law on preventing and combating premature unions. 89. Japan noted the challenges facing Mozambique, including the instability in Cabo Delgado and the challenges related to persons affected by leprosy. 90. Israel noted the challenges related to climate change and terrorism. It welcomed legislative and policy frameworks aimed at promoting gender equality. 91. Jordan welcomed legislative and policy efforts to promote respect for human rights and the 2019 peace agreement. 92. In response to the questions regarding the situation in Cabo Delgado, the delegation indicated that the instability resulting from terrorist activities had undermined the efforts of Mozambique to ensure the enjoyment of human rights. The delegation recalled that Mozambique was a country where all citizens and institutions had to comply with the rule of law. Defending the nation and the national interest entailed protecting all citizens and their property, particularly by the armed forces, whose action was guided by the Constitution and other relevant legislation. 93. The current peace process was aimed at bringing together a whole plethora of stakeholders, including international partners like the United Nations. The agreement for peace and national reconciliation in Mozambique was the main instrument guiding the process for the demilitarization, disarmament and reintegration of former members of the Mozambique National Resistance. Awareness-raising efforts were being made to encourage their self-proclaimed high commanders to join the process. 94. Mozambique had granted national and international media access to the areas affected by the conflict so that they could report on the living conditions in those areas in a transparent and impartial manner. However, efforts to ensure security could occasionally result in limits on the number of persons authorized access to those areas. Access had been ensured, in particular, to organizations with expertise in human rights and humanitarian aid, including the International Committee of the Red Cross. 95. The issues and recommendations raised during the interactive dialogue largely corresponded to the Government’s main concerns, which were already being addressed, as described in the national report. In that regard, information had been provided on early marriages, on the eradication of all types of violence, including domestic violence, on gender equality and on legal reforms, including for the incorporation of international obligations into domestic law. Moreover, action had been taken to decrease school dropout rates, particularly among girls, to reduce illiteracy rates and to combat discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity. 96. Concerning the ratification of international human rights instruments, a process was in place for the ratification of the International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights and to consider the ratification of other instruments. 97. Kenya commended Mozambique for its review of the Penal Code and the Code of Criminal Procedure. 98. Latvia appreciated the presentation of the national report. 99. Lebanon welcomed the 2019 peace agreement but expressed concern about the large number of people displaced by natural disasters in the north. 7