A/HRC/13/28 B. Children’s rights 16. Some progress was noted in the area of children’s rights. In February 2009, following sensitization activities in communities in Bombali district, Soweis (female genital mutilation initiators) and paramount chiefs in five chiefdoms agreed not to initiate girls under the age of 18 years of age into the Bondo society (see also paragraph 11 above). Nonetheless, serious challenges still remain for the protection of the rights of children. 17. The rape of minor girls and teenage pregnancies continue to cause serious concern. In many cases, close relatives, schoolteachers and, in some cases, even security personnel were allegedly involved in such activities. At least 10 cases of rape2 and several cases of teenage pregnancy3 were reported to the Human Rights Section during the period under review. It was observed that the capacity constraints of the police to investigate the matter properly, a failure to produce witnesses in court and out of court settlements compromised the justice system. In June, at the monthly District Development Coordination Forum Meeting in Kono, an officer from Social Welfare, Gender and Children’s Affairs reported that 20 such cases had been reported, and maintained that more cases were concealed by parents and guardians. 18. Incidents of forced marriage and child trafficking were also reported to the Human Rights Section. Child trafficking and sexual exploitation were also serious concerns. 19. The lack of remand homes and approved schools in most of the districts resulted in the detention of juveniles with adults. For example, in October and November, the Human Rights Section found juveniles detained in Kenema police station with adult suspects. The juveniles were later released by the police following the intervention of human rights officers. 20. Some key provisions of the Child Rights Act of 2007 have not yet been implemented. The child commission provided for under the act to promote, protect, monitor and advise the Government on policies regarding children in the country has not yet been established. C. Women’s rights 21. Some progress was noted in the promotion and protection of women’s rights. A national gender strategic plan was developed and a validation workshop was held thereon on 22 June. Similarly, efforts were also made to further the implementation of Security Council resolutions 1325 (2000) and 1820 (2008) on women, peace and security. A task 2 3 GE.10-10771 In January, a 6-year-old primary school pupil was raped by her teacher in a primary school in Sandeyallu town, Kailahun; and a 12-year-old girl was raped in Hangha road, Kenema. In February, a 13-year-old girl was raped in Shengema village in Bo district, and later died while in hospital; and a 13-year-old girl was gang raped in Makeni; a suspect was charged in court. Also in February, a 12year-old girl was raped by a medical superintendant in Kailahun, and a 13-year-old girl was raped in Bumpuh Chiefdom, Bo. The victim fell into a coma and died three days later in Bo hospital. In September, a police officer reportedly raped a 14-year-girl in Kenema. In October, an 11-year-old girl was raped in Ngohanwun, Bombali district, a 12-year-old girl was raped in New England, Freetown, and a 9-year-old girl was raped in Kenema. In January, it was reported that a 16-year-old student had been impregnated by her teacher. The girl, whose baby was one month old, told human rights officers that the teacher’s relatives had accepted the pregnancy but, since then, the man was not caring for the girl and her newborn. Also in January, a 30-year-old man was arrested for impregnating his 14-year-old stepdaughter. The girl was taken to the Rainbow Centre for medical examination while the stepfather was on remand. 7