A/HRC/11/24* 46. Yemen noted the ratification of almost all international human rights instruments and that these take precedence over the Constitution. Yemen noted Senegal’s efforts, for which the international community’s support was needed, to promote a culture of respect for human rights and to build institutions in that regard. 47. Oman noted the number of ratified international instruments and the establishment of many institutions, including the regional office of OHCHR. It noted Senegal’s active participation in education and in the realization of civil and political, economic, social and cultural rights. It recommended accepting the support of OHCHR in the area of dissemination of human rights in order to support national cultural and education programmes. 48. The head of the delegation thanked all the delegations for their positive remarks on the human rights situation in Senegal. With regard to juvenile justice, Senegal is committed to strengthening capacities, improving structures and training staff. A significant effort is being made because children must be protected. 49. Senegal is committed to wider ratification of the International Convention on the Protection of the Rights of All Migrant Workers and Members of Their Families as it is directly affected by the Convention and shares the ideals underpinning the text. With the adoption of the Great Offensive for Agriculture, Food and Abundance (GOANA), Senegal considered that the solution, in view of the global crisis, was to utilize its potential, with the support of international cooperation, in particular through the provision of agricultural equipment and technology. The initial results have been encouraging and Senegal requests the international community to continue to provide its support so that Senegal can achieve food self-sufficiency. 50. Senegal said that it had adopted the participatory approach in relation to the drafting of its reports as a matter of principle. When taking any action, the country calls on civil society to ensure a certain degree of symbiosis. 51. Senegal cooperates with all the organizations working to combat human trafficking and the Senegalese police are very active in this area. 52. The head of the delegation stressed that freedom of the press is more fully respected in Senegal than anywhere else in the world. It is important to understand, however, that such freedom must be exercised within the bounds imposed by the freedoms of others. The excessive exercise of freedom of expression has led to legal actions in Senegal, as in other countries. Those actions have been brought in response to complaints submitted by citizens before courts, which act with complete independence. 53. In response to the statements relating to prosecutions of persons because of their sexual orientation, the head of the delegation said that homosexuality is a purely private matter, with a long history in Senegal, and is not in itself a cause for prosecution. The prosecutions referred to occurred only when the homosexual relations took place in public and were of an obtrusive nature, therefore placing them in conflict with morality and religion. Concerning decriminalization, it is necessary to take account of the culture, and avoid exacerbating the rejection of homosexuals and endangering their lives. 54. Senegal has made great efforts to promote gender equality, inter alia through positive discrimination. However, it is important to take into consideration the elements peculiar to Islam, which account for the existence of polygamy. In that connection, women are no longer alienated since they enter freely into polygamous unions. 55. The delegation recalled that Senegal is ready to respond positively to any request under the special procedures. 10 GE.09-16280