A/HRC/11/24* sexual activity between consenting adults and recommended that Senegal’s Criminal Code be amended to decriminalize homosexual activity between consenting adults. It noted concerns expressed over the detention of journalists and freedom of expression in the media. The United Kingdom recommended that Senegal take forward plans to decriminalize press offences as agreed by the President of the Republic in 2004 and as reported to the United Nations Special Rapporteur on the promotion and protection of the right to freedom of opinion and expression. 36. Côte d’Ivoire noted Senegal’s political will concerning the provision of sanitation in areas where this service is lacking and the realization of land and housing rights. It also noted Senegal’s commitment to implement the “Education for All” project, which has increased access to primary education and improve the quality of teaching. It recommended that the international community strengthen its support for Senegal, which remains a model for democracy in Africa, particularly with respect to the promotion of economic, social and cultural rights. 37. Belgium expressed concern about the criminalization of homosexuality, as well as the harassment and discrimination of which homosexuals are victim. In this respect, reference was made to the recent arrest of nine persons and their sentencing to eight-year prison terms because of their sexual orientation. Belgium recommended that Senegal decriminalize homosexuality and free all persons imprisoned on the grounds of their sexual orientation. It recommended that Senegal respect and protect the human rights and the fundamental freedoms of all persons without any form of discrimination. Further, noting that journalists have faced pressure, threats and other acts of intimidation, and occasionally imprisonment. it recommended that Senegal revise its legislation on freedom of the press in order to bring it into line with international standards. 38. While recognizing the freedom of expression and noting Senegal’s intention to further reform the national press law, Sweden expressed concern about reports of harassment and intimidations of journalist and mass media outlets. Sweden recommended Senegal take further measures, including legislative action, to ensure full respect for the freedom of expression and freedom of the press, in accordance with international standards. Sweden noted the concerns expressed by the Committee on the Rights of the Child regarding corporal punishment, despite a legal ban, and recommended Senegal continue its efforts and take necessary policy measures to ensure that children are protected from corporal punishment and other forms of violence or exploitation. 39. Luxembourg supported the recommendation of the Committee on the Rights of the Child that Senegal continue carrying out awareness-raising campaigns to combat and eliminate FGM and other traditional practices that are harmful to health and seek to bring about positive trends in traditional behaviour. Luxembourg supported the recommendation of the Committee on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights (CESCR) to better implement laws aimed at eliminating all forms of violence against women. It also supports the recommendations by the Committee on the Rights of the Child that Senegal ensure that the law against sexual exploitation of children be better implemented and take better measures to protect girls engaged in domestic work from economic exploitation and sexual abuse. Luxembourg noted reports of torture within detention centres, infringement on the independence of justice and restrictions on press freedom. Luxembourg noted Senegal’s fight against poverty and welcomed its partnership to reach the MDGs and to contribute to good governance. 40. Slovenia commended the cooperation with UN-HABITAT in slum upgrading and realization of land and housing rights. It commended the abolishment of the death penalty and the ratification of most human rights treaties and encouraged submission of periodic reports and answers to special procedures mandate holders’ questionnaires. It expressed concern over working children and over arbitrary arrests, harassment and discrimination on 8 GE.09-16280

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