A/HRC/22/6 Accra offers free medical treatment and the Domestic Violence and Victims Support Unit (DOVVSU) also pays for other medical services. Additionally, the Ministry of Women and Children’s Affairs (MOWAC) has set up a fund to assist victims of domestic violence abuse which would soon become operational. 65. On the status of the Right to Information Bill, (Czech Republic, Denmark, Netherlands), the delegation reported that it is currently being considered by Parliament. The Bill is in line with the international standard for freedom of expression in that it provides for maximum disclosure in relation to governance. It also provides for restrictions regarding public safety and national security inter alia. It is likely to be passed next year. 66. On the issue of trokosi and witch camps (Germany), the delegation emphasized that the issue of violence against persons suspected of practising witchcraft is a challenge, given that it deals with entrenched beliefs, which makes it difficult to eradicate through legislation. Although the Ghanaian Criminal Offences Act criminalizes lynching, maltreatment and other human rights abuses, extensive education in these areas is needed and is ongoing. There is also the need to protect those who have been forced to flee their homes, as well as make life more comfortable for them in refugee camps. 67. The practice of trokosi has been criminalized by the Criminal Offences Act. This is also a practice firmly rooted in the cultural beliefs of a few communities. Ghana is committed to continuing the extensive educational campaigns and consultations already in progress to change the mind-sets of persons who indulge in these practices. 68. With regard to steps taken to promote an improved dialogue and relationship between mining companies, security forces and mining communities (the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland), the delegation acknowledged that the mining industry in Ghana has witnessed some challenges in recent times, notably illegal mining and its attendant environmental hazards and dissatisfaction among the mining communities, which finds expression in conflict. To adequately address these problems, Parliament passed six sets of regulations in June 2012, to give full effect to the Minerals and Mining Act. 69. Ghana is furthermore committed to ensuring that businesses in the mining sector as well as in the other sectors of the economy give due regard to human rights issues in their operations. Ghana welcomes the Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights for implementing the United Nations Protect, Respect and Remedy Framework as it will help the country address protection gaps in respect of business-related human rights abuses. 70. Regarding the country’s National Reconciliation Commission (Mexico), the delegation stated that this Commission was set up to provide a platform for victims of human rights abuses to share their painful experiences and seek reparation. The Commission recommended reparations to victims in the form of monetary awards which have been fully paid. Some also had confiscated properties returned to them. Those who still feel dissatisfied have the right to petition the Attorney General. 71. As to what is being done about the situation in the prisons (Germany), the delegation reported that several interventions have been put in place to improve conditions in the prisons. The amount allocated for feeding of each prisoner has been increased from US$0.40 to US$1.00. In addition, a percentage of foodstuffs produced on prison farms across the country is used to supplement the rations of the inmates. 72. All prisoners are classified as indigents under the National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS) and thus enjoy free registration, enabling them to access good health-care services under the Scheme. Prisoners who contract communicable diseases are sent to a health facility for care. Recently the Ministry of Health has directed that doctors should be attached to the various prisons. 9

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