A/HRC/18/48 44. The situation of women and children, the eradication of female genital mutilation, violence against women, women’s participation in political and public life, child recruitment, the situation of journalists and human rights defenders, besides the poor degree of enjoyment of core elements of economic and social rights, such as education and health, were all identified as areas where action was required. Other recommendations pertained to the adoption and ratification of international instruments, the finalization of the Constitution with strong human rights provisions, the abolition of the death penalty and the development of the required institutions, including the creation of a national human rights commission, the strengthening of the judiciary and others. VII. Human rights situation in Somaliland 45. The independent expert visited Somaliland late in February 2011, and had useful meetings with Government Ministers and senior officials. He held meetings with United Nations officials and members of the civil society. He subsequently received information from individuals by e-mail. 46. In Somaliland, a degree of relative stability and functioning institutions have permitted some positive developments. In January 2011, the Act establishing the Somaliland National Human Rights Commission was promulgated by the President, and an Acting Chairperson was appointed. In July, seven Commissioners were also approved by Parliament. The Act meets basic international standards. However, the independent expert is concerned at the likelihood that the very limited human resources available to the Commission will de facto prevent it from carrying out its mandate effectively. The independent expert welcomes the work of UNPOS supporting the Commission, and invites the international community, and United Nations agencies in particular, to coordinate and intensify their support for the Commission. The independent expert is also pleased that Somaliland has launched a five-year justice strategy to address its shortcomings in an open and cooperative relationship with the international community. 47. The National Union of Somali Journalists reported that, over the past several months, authorities in Hargeisa have stepped up legal action against journalists and news media organizations, including charges of defamation, libel, false news and insults. The independent expert has not been able to verify the report; nevertheless, he is concerned that acts amounting to slander and defamation are dealt with through criminal legislation and carry a detention sentence. He therefore urges the Somaliland authorities to bring existing legislation into line with human rights so that such forms of conduct are dealt with as civil matters. 48. With regard to the situation of women, the fact that two women Ministers and one deputy were included in the Cabinet of 26 Ministers formed by President Silanyo should be considered a milestone. It is, however, also important that women’s representation be strengthened at lower levels and a quota system be considered. The gender policy officially adopted by the Parliament under the previous Government was in the process of being implemented. 49. Cases of sexual violence, even after being reported to the Police, continue to be taken out of the formal legal process and adjudicated through the customary system. Nonetheless, violence against women is either on the increase or increasingly reported, despite the attached stigma. The independent expert was informed that only two police stations in Hargeisa have in place a women’s desk staffed by female police officers. It is apparent that this policy needs to be substantially strengthened to contribute to promoting women’s access to justice. 10