A/HRC/11/16* cutting issue and that, as reflected in the delegation, several ministries are involved in the promotion and protection of human rights. In the Ministry of Justice, two directorates respectively responsible for the harmonization of national law with international standards and for alerting the public prosecutor of human rights violations are involved in this regard. 14. He also mentioned that relations were developed in 2008 with OHCHR, notably through several workshops organised jointly in 2008. Pursuant to this collaboration, an action plan aimed at enhancing human rights was drafted in cooperation with OHCHR. Regarding health care and children, he mentioned a series of texts, plans, programmes and bodies referring to HIV/AIDS, vaccinations or children’s diseases, including the Integrated Management of Childhood Illness set up in 2004. With regard to reporting obligations to treaty bodies, he indicated that efforts were being made in order to suppress delays and recalled that the first periodic report to the Committee on the Rights of the Child was reviewed in 2008. On the question of female genital mutilation (FGM), he indicated that it had been penalised in the Criminal Code since 1995 and that a number of prosecutions have taken place. 15. Lastly, H.E. Mr. Mohamed Barkat Abdillahi stated that Djibouti was open to recommendations and advice and was ready to cooperate with the troika. B. Interactive dialogue and responses by the State under review 16. During the interactive dialogue, statements were made by 44 delegations, a number of which praised Djibouti for the high quality of its presentation and for its national report. Statements which could not be delivered during the interactive dialogue due to time constraints are also posted on the UPR extranet.* 17. Oman noted with interests the efforts and developments made by Djibouti in the field of human rights. It welcomed the establishment of the national human rights commission as well as the important steps undertaken to face various challenges and difficulties. Oman approved the request made by the Government to OHCHR to send a mission to assess needs for technical assistance in areas of human rights. Oman also welcomed the decision of the President to launch a new initiative to fight against poverty. 18. Bahrain welcomed Djibouti’s efforts to protect the rights of women and children. It noted that the Ministry for the Advancement of Women has been set up in order to, inter alia, promote equality between men and women and counter sex discrimination. Bahrain requested information about Djibouti's progress in increasing the participation of women in political life and its implementation of national programs to combat practices that constitute violence against women. Noting the significant progress made in promoting the rule of law and justice in the country, Bahrain asked about the measures that have been taken to promote the role of judges. It also recommended Djibouti continue its efforts to strengthen the judiciary in the field of human rights and improve the access to justice. 19. Yemen noted the commitment of Djibouti to the promotion and protection of human rights. It highlighted the transparency and sincerity demonstrated by the report and acknowledged the serious steps undertaken in the area of human rights, including the legal framework and the reinforcement on the ground of protection of human rights including the establishment of a ministry for women. However a number of issues still required an answer and more light should be shed on everything that has been achieved regarding the * Bangladesh, Botswana, Burkina Faso, Cameroon, Chile, Congo, Czech Republic, Democratic People’s Republic of Korea, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Gabon, Haiti, Kenya, Latvia, Libyan Arab Jamahiriya, Niger, Nigeria, Norway and Tunisia. 6 GE.09-15263