A/HRC/WG.6/1/TUN/4 page 6 abolition of capital punishment. He further noted that there has been no death penalty sentence since 1999 and underlined the Head of State’s commitment to continue on this path. On the question put by the United Kingdom, Denmark, Canada, and Sweden on freedom of expression and opinion, including measures to eliminate restrictions to establish political parties and civil organization, the Minister recalled that there are nine political parties in Tunisia, six of which are represented in the Chamber of Deputies, participate in its legislative work and play a role of parliamentary control. The Minister further noted that some parties were not recognized simply because they have yet to be registered. He underlined that in order to encourage pluralism; the Tunisian Government commits to modify the election process to ensure a better representation in the Chamber of Deputies and in the municipal councils. 9. With regard to the follow-up on previous recommendations concerning the freedom of expression and opinion made by the Human Rights Committee, the Minister announced that the Press Code has been amended to ensure a greater liberty and greater freedom. In particular, some of the requirements and need for review have been withdrawn, allowing newspapers to publish without legal registration. The Minister also highlighted the high number of newspapers currently circulating in the country, which demonstrates to what extent freedom of expression, is applied in Tunisia. With regard to the question by Germany on the prohibition of torture, the Minister stressed the fact that Tunisian law expressly prohibits any acts of torture or other cruel and inhuman treatments and punishes anyone involved in such acts. He further stated that law enforcement agents have been sentenced to prison terms if convicted for involvement in acts of torture. The Minister also indicated that redress has been made available to people who demonstrated that they have been victims of torture. In addition, he stated that such efforts are always made to ensure that law enforcement agents who commit acts of torture are brought to justice. 10. With regard to a question raised by Italy, the Minister recalled Tunisia’s intention to withdraw its reservations to CRC and CEDAW and noted that a consolidating reform is ongoing in the country, which considers acceding to the Optional Protocol to CEDAW. As concerns violence against children, the Minister recalled that it exists in all societies as it exists in Tunisia. He indicated that there is a mechanism within the Ministry of Women and Children and that an annual report is currently being drafted in cooperation with civil society which is expected to be presented to the Parliament. In addition to that report, judges and child judges are in a position to take all necessary provisions to protect women and children and to ensure that appropriate follow-up is carried out. The Minister recalled Tunisia’s full commitment to the promotion and protection of all human rights and its awareness of the progress required to further consolidate its ongoing efforts and constant balance between political will and a resolved civil society and the real challenges that result from increasing terrorism, fanaticism and extremism. In order to counter these challenges in respecting human rights, the Minister highlighted the importance for Tunisia to ensure that the international community expresses solidarity with regard to promoting and protecting human rights. B. Interactive dialogue and responses by the State under review 11. During the ensuing interactive dialogue, 65 delegations made statements praising Tunisia for its high-level representation as well as the high quality of their presentation and their national report.