A/HRC/11/24* programme of assistance and through microcredit and asked about the coordination and regulation of these mechanisms. 23. Iran noted the measures taken for the realization of economic, social and cultural rights, including the right to development, and for achievement of the MDGs. While welcoming the education budget allocation, Iran noted the need for more work to guarantee free access to education. Iran asked about measures to promote employment and implement protective programmes, achievements in poverty reduction, education and health and the extent to which the MDGs will be achieved. Iran recommended that Senegal take all appropriate and necessary measures for better and speedy realization of social, economic and cultural rights and particularly the right to development. It also recommended Senegal foster the human rights culture among society with a view to further promoting and protecting human rights. 24. Indonesia commended the laws: making education free and compulsory for children aged 1–16; prohibiting the employment of children under 15 years of age, and prohibiting all forms of violence against and corruption of minors. Indonesia stressed that Senegal has ratified and participated in the codification of many international conventions. It recommended that Senegal continue its efforts to diminish the proportion of the urban population living in slums, so as to fulfil the rights of families to decent housing conditions. It noted the challenge identified by UNESCO of closing the primary-education enrolment gap while at the same time addressing issues of quality and recommended that the Government of Senegal take steps to address it. 25. Turkey, while noting Senegal’s delay in reporting to treaty bodies, welcomed the Government’s willingness to submit several of its reports. Turkey encouraged Senegal to welcome special procedures mandate holders and to provide the best possible conditions in order for them to carry out their missions. It commended the priority given to education and the importance given to the protection of children’s rights. Turkey recommended that Senegal take into consideration the comments made by the Committee on the Rights of the Child concerning the adoption of a global strategy in order to eliminate all forms of discrimination against vulnerable groups of children. Turkey also encouraged Senegal, which has significant experience thanks to its active participation in the 2001 Durban World Conference, to continue to contribute positively to the review process. 26. Viet Nam commended Senegal’s National Strategy on Poverty Alleviation, education reform measures and HIV/AIDS prevention programmes. It welcomed Senegal’s accession to key international human rights treaties and its cooperation with special procedures. Viet Nam recognized that protection of the rights of vulnerable groups is among the major challenges and recommended that Senegal continue its efforts and take effective measures to overcome it. 27. Cuba noted the strategy to fight poverty, promote social services and improve living conditions. It congratulated the promotion of the right to food, social protection, health, education and the rights of children and women. Cuba welcomed Senegal’s initiatives in strengthening dialogue among civilizations, cultures and religions. Cuba recommended that Senegal continue its efforts and initiatives to promote dialogue, peace and tolerance amongst peoples, cultures, religions and civilizations. 28. The Netherlands noted cases of apparent violation of the independence of the courts and recommended Senegal safeguard the separation of powers and independence of the judiciary. With regard to incidents with journalists and journalism, the Netherlands recommended Senegal decriminalize press offences. It noted that the Penal Code criminalizes homosexual conduct and recommended that Senegal remove the article in question, which is not in compliance with the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. The Netherlands welcomed the creation of the National Observatory of Women’s Rights 6 GE.09-16280