A/HRC/17/14 sexual and gender-based violence and child abuse, including sexual violence and trafficking. Australia encouraged Namibia to enact the Child Care and Protection Bill. Australia made recommendations. 86. Ecuador commended Namibia on its achievements in many important areas of human rights. It noted remaining challenges requiring many efforts and economic and human resources, and encouraged Namibia to continue efforts to ensure equality, and security and guarantee of rights. Ecuador made recommendations. 87. Slovakia commended Namibia for the A-status accreditation with the International Criminal Court of the Office of the Ombudsman and for integrating human rights education into national curricula. It observed that torture was not defined as statutory crime and, noting the backlog of pending cases, that the right to be tried without undue delay was not fully implemented. It noted concerns about the large number of children under 14 engaged in economic activities. Slovakia made recommendations. 88. Latvia noted Namibia’s good level of press freedom. Appreciating information provided on the issue of standing invitations to special procedures, it noted the recent request for a visit by the independent expert on human rights obligations related to access to safe drinking water and sanitation. Latvia made a recommendation. 89. Slovenia commended Namibia for respecting children’s rights to civic participation, including when developing the Child Care and Protection Bill, but expressed concerns about trafficking in children, child prostitution and child labour, and the lack of access of women to adequate health-care services, including to sexual and reproductive health services, widespread illegal abortion and increasing rates of HIV/AIDS infected women and of maternal mortality. It also noted persistent discrimination on the grounds of ethnicity. Slovenia made recommendations. 90. Niger paid tribute to Namibia’s policy of national reconciliation and encouraged its authorities to continue constructive policies in the areas of health, education and the promotion and protection of society’s most vulnerable. It noted with satisfaction women’s participation in the democratic progress, including involvement in decision-making and in elected office. Namibia’s sectoral policies allowed it to become a middle-income country. Niger made recommendations. 91. Uganda commended Namibia’s achievements in protecting and promoting human rights. It noted persisting patriarchal attitudes and stereotypes about gender roles and was concerned that the Traditional Authorities Act may negatively impact women by perpetuating the use of harmful and discriminatory customs and cultural and traditional practices and enquired about measures to address these concerns. Uganda encouraged the international community to provide required assistance. Uganda made recommendations. 92. Mauritius commended Namibia for its continuous and diligent effort to improve the promotion and protection of human rights through the implementation of strategic policies, which had led Namibia to be classified as one of the top five countries to live in in Africa according to the International Living and New Quality of Life Index of 2011. As part of the African Union, Namibia has always supported regional and international initiatives to protect fundamental rights, including the African Charter. Mauritius commended Namibia for signing and ratifying many of the core human rights treaties. Mauritius also commended Namibia’s effort to address social and economic inequalities through the implementation of its long term strategic plan – Vision 2030. Mauritius made a recommendation. 93. The Democratic Republic of the Congo commended Namibia’s efforts to protect minority indigenous peoples and welcomed the social, legal and political progress in empowering women. It sought information on consequences of the past apartheid policy and on progress made in combating HIV/AIDS. 13