A/HRC/11/16* Government would actively pursue the enrolment in the school system of all children from 6 to 16 years old. Commending Djibouti for its Social Development Initiative to fight poverty, it asked about the effectiveness of this strategy and of other domestic povertyalleviation initiatives. It noted with appreciation the attention paid to promoting and protecting the rights of the child and empowering women. 52. Regarding women’s rights, Madagascar requested further information on women’s participation in political life both in quantitative and qualitative terms. With respect to education and regional equality, practices and regulations should pay particular attention to rural areas. Encouraging Djibouti to continue its good work in combating poverty, it asked whether there was real progress in implementing the programme and whether the size of the country and its population were a help or hindrance. It also requested information about Djibouti’s cooperation with neighbouring States regarding arable land, an innovative practice other countries might wish to follow. 53. Indonesia commended Djibouti’s work for the realization of civil and political rights and economic, social and cultural rights. Though shortcomings and challenges remained, it recommended Djibouti stick to its present course, which was directed towards improvement for all as well as to the effective promotion and protection of human rights. It encouraged the Council to support and work with the Government for the gradual achievement of their identified human rights objectives in Djibouti. 54. Italy welcomed Djibouti's commitment to promoting and protecting human rights, as shown by, inter alia, its cooperative attitude in responding to questions raised by special procedures mandate holders. Noting that Djibouti has not extended a standing invitation to special procedures, it asked the Government to consider doing so in the near future. It recommended Djibouti make more effective the implementation of Article 333 of the Criminal Code, which prescribes heavy penalties for the practice of FGM. It also recommended Djibouti conduct national awareness campaigns concerning the prohibition of FGM and enhance efforts to improve the functioning of the judicial system, in particular by adopting measures to ensure fairness and political impartiality of the judiciary. 55. Brazil commended the Government of Djibouti for its efforts in several areas, particularly the priority given to the advancement and protection of woman. It inquired about the programme to fight pandemics, especially HIV/AIDS, and the efforts to prevent child abuse, particularly abuse of detained juvenile offenders. It encouraged Djibouti to accomplish progressively the human rights goals set by Human Rights Council Resolution 9/12. It recommended that Djibouti consider ratifying the International Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Racial Discrimination and adopting legislation which prohibited all forms of violence against children, including corporal punishment, and promoted alternative forms of discipline. In that connection, Brazil recommended taking further measures to guarantee that detained juvenile offenders are separated from adults. 56. Cote d’Ivoire congratulated Djibouti on the Government’s measures to ensure education for all and the establishment of the National Human Rights Commission. It enquired what measures had been taken to reduce disparities; to ensure education for children with special needs and to reduce the drop-out rate. It also asked about the measures taken to ensure that the reports to the treaty bodies be submitted on time. 57. Burundi noted Djibouti’s clear determination to progressively establish national structures and mechanisms to promote and protect human rights. Burundi congratulated Djibouti for the adoption of a number of measures. Burundi recommended Djibouti continue its already very significant efforts to provide free schooling for all school-aged children, which would gradually reduce illiteracy. It also recommended Djibouti continue efforts, slowly but surely, to counter the weight of traditions by gradually eradicating the practice of FGM. Burundi also recommended that the international community provide GE.09-15263 13