A/HRC/8/32 Page 12 racial discrimination and to strengthen legislation and policies for children. Ghana noted the challenges and encouraged South Africa to continue to address domestic violence and the alleged ill-treatment of non-citizens by law enforcement officials. It also noted that segregation still exists, particularly regarding ownership of property and access to social services such as education, health and housing. It requested more information on the specific measures taken to facilitate the enjoyment of economic, social and cultural rights by disadvantaged groups. 36. Sri Lanka noted that redressing the apartheid legacy, and achieving human development and the realization of all human rights remain major challenges in South Africa. South Africa has become a party to a number of key human rights treaties, particularly since the introduction of democracy in the country. International human rights law is applied by a range of institutions and actors in South Africa, including the courts, Parliament, the South African Human Rights Commission and organizations of civil society. The identified lack of capacity is a major constraint in the efforts to improve the quality of governance and deliver services at optimal levels in light of the country’s socio-economic challenges. Sri Lanka asked what steps South Africa has taken to address this issue, and what its suggestions are to the international community to address this issue by way of international cooperation. 37. Germany noted that health care and treatment, as well as prevention, are important areas of action in regard to HIV/AIDS. It asked which measures are envisaged to improve equal access to health care and treatment by women suffering from HIV/AIDS. It also noted that crime rates are high and requested information on the measures the Government intends to take to improve the security of citizens and to enhance the protection of vulnerable groups, such as women and children. Germany noted that South Africa’s Constitution is one of the most progressive regarding access to safe drinking water and noted that it was able to substantially increase the number of people with access to water. Germany asked how this could serve as an example of best practices and about the advantages of the human rights approach to the water issue. Germany noted that South Africa has signed ICESCR but has not yet ratified it and recommended to do it as soon as possible. 38. New Zealand noted significant progress in trying to address the injustices caused by the legacy of the apartheid system. It noted that South Africa has been unable to submit a number of reports to treaty bodies, and enquired about the major obstacles encountered in this regard, and what steps South Africa has taken or plans to take to overcome them. New Zealand asked whether South Africa has established time frames for the submission of its treaty body reports and whether it has given thought to the preparation of a common core document. New Zealand welcomed the delegation’s comments on the submission by South Africa of its outstanding treaty body reports, in particular its initial reports, within its period of membership of the Human Rights Council. It also welcomed any comments on possible technical assistance that South Africa might require to meet its treaty body reporting obligations. 39. The Netherlands commended South Africa on its Constitution which strongly protects human rights. It noted however that although women’s rights are protected in the Constitution and some actions have been undertaken, more efforts are needed to prevent gender-based violence. The Netherlands recommended to take increased measures to protect and provide redress to women at risk of or subjected to gender-based violence. It noted South Africa’s large inflow of immigrants and wanted to know more about actions and programmes undertaken in regard to the integration of these groups into society, specifically on the human rights perspectives in these efforts. 40. Zimbabwe noted that South Africa is still facing extreme challenges in reversing the colonial apartheid legacy. It was encouraged by the concrete measures taken to ensure enjoyment of the