A/HRC/17/15 was concerned by continuing reports of violence against women and children including forced and early marriage, FGM, sexual abuse and exploitation, child trafficking and the phenomenon of child soldiers. Australia made recommendations. 61. Ecuador welcomed Niger’s commitment to the UPR particularly the inter-ministerial Committee and national consultation carried out. It recognized the importance of financial and technical assistance on the part of United Nations. It hoped for the reestablishment of democracy and made recommendations. 62. Chile noted Niger had achieved important progress in spite of institutional and political upsets. It welcomed the creation of the Ministry for Women, the poverty reduction strategy, reforms to the Criminal Code, which abolished female genital mutilation, and advances in education for girls. It noted challenges in food security, access to drinking water and health. It made recommendations. 63. China noted that Niger ratified several international and regional human rights treaties and adopted many concrete measures to increase and promote agriculture production, improve medical care, enhance school enrolment of children and employment of youth. China understood that Niger, as a developing country, in developing its economy and promoting human rights, was indeed facing special difficulties and challenges. China called upon the international community to continue to provide necessary financial and technical assistance to Niger. 64. Luxembourg expressed concerns at the situation related to growing malnutrition and hunger, as it particularly affected children. Luxembourg inquired on measures taken by Niger to address this issue. Luxembourg was particularly concerned at the situation of women in rural areas relating to access to basic services. Luxembourg was concerned by slavery practices. Luxembourg wished to resume its cooperation with Niger once rule of law will be restored. Luxembourg made recommendations. 65. Sweden closely followed Niger’s reform process and stressed that the transition to civilian rule should continue in a free and transparent way. It expressed concern over restrictions to freedom of expression and assembly. It noted that journalists, human rights defenders and activists have been harassed and arrested and demonstrations have been repressed. It noted Niger maintains the death penalty and expressed concern over widespread impunity, including for security forces. It made recommendations. 66. Latvia thanked the delegation of Niger for the comprehensive presentation of its national report and its constructive engagement in the UPR process. Latvia made one recommendation. 67. Thailand commended Niger for significant progress in protecting human rights despite development challenges and constraints. It welcomed that Niger was party to virtually all international human rights instruments and its efforts to ensure access to health care for vulnerable groups. It noted with concern violence against and exploitation of vulnerable groups. Thailand expressed its readiness to share with Niger its best practices and provide technical assistance, for example in prison administration and in assisting people with disabilities. It made recommendations. 68. Indonesia welcomed the fact that the Transitional Government would soon be holding legislative and presidential elections and commended the building of human rights infrastructure, raising awareness and trainings in human rights for, inter alia, armed and security forces, and prison personnel. In this connection, Indonesia noted the current effort taking place under the guidance of the National Observatory for Human Rights. Indonesia noted that the national report honestly admits Niger’s shortcomings and the current lack of normative legislation to support the development and implementation of the human rights programme. Indonesia made recommendations. 10 GE.11-12306