A/HRC/12/6 page 10 40. Gabon noted that the status of Congolese women has improved over the years thanks to the creation of the Ministry of Promotion of the Women and the Integration of Women in Development. These trends merit the support of the international community, including technical assistance from OHCHR. Gabon recommended in line with the recommendations of the Committee on the Rights of the Child, to sign and ratify CRC-OP-AC. Gabon encouraged the Congo to further cooperate with the mechanisms for the promotion and protection of human rights, including special procedures. 41. Italy noted that according to figures provided by UNICEF, about one quarter of children are not registered at birth and recommended that the Congo (a) improve procedures aimed at raising the percentage of children registered at birth. Italy commended the de facto moratorium on executions and recommended that the Congo (b) consider the complete abolition of capital punishment in its internal legislation. Regarding the rights of minorities, Italy acknowledged the ongoing efforts by the authorities to draft specific norms in this field and recommended that the Congo (c) approve in the shortest period of time and implement the new law regarding indigenous peoples with the aim of safeguarding minority rights in the country, specifically those of the Pygmies, and (d) guarantee the right to receive, seek and impart information and ideas in compliance with article 19 of ICCPR. 42. The Congolese delegation gave the following answers to the questions asked. 43. The rights of the child were guaranteed. Education was mandatory up to the age of 16. Girls had equal access to education. Ensuring that girls remained in school was a continuing concern of the Congo. School fees had been abolished and measures taken to make primary school textbooks free of charge. In the area of health care, malaria treatment was free for children up to the age of 15. 44. With regard to the right to health, the Congolese delegation acknowledged that maternal and infant mortality was an issue of concern. Efforts were therefore being made to build, rehabilitate and equip hospitals and other centres for maternal and child health in all departments of the Congo. Major efforts were also under way to recruit and train health workers. Health care was provided to all patients, without distinction. HIV/AIDS testing and treatment was free for all patients, regardless of their sexual orientation. 45. Sexual violence towards children and women was punished by law. The practices of genital mutilation that had been referred to were not rooted in Congolese culture. However, the Government had taken note of the comments made in that regard. 46. With regard to the presidential election of July 2009, the civic consultation held from 14 to 17 April 2009 in Brazzaville had provided a forum for political actors, civil society and religious denominations of the Congo to establish a number of findings in order to guarantee credible, transparent presidential elections. 47. With regard to violation of the rights of vulnerable persons, the Congolese delegation stated that human rights were guaranteed and protected. Women had the same rights as men in all areas of social and political life. There was equal access to employment, the civil service and training. Equal pay was also guaranteed.