A/HRC/17/14 enhancing the effectiveness of the various mechanisms entrusted with the enforcement of human rights. Nigeria made recommendations. 40. Zimbabwe commended Namibia for its socio-economic, judicial and political actions regarding the promotion and protection of human rights. Zimbabwe was fully cognizant of the fact that more is yet to be done and achieved, noting that further progress is needed; it called on the international community to assist Namibia in consolidating gains made. Zimbabwe made recommendations. 41. Swaziland noted Namibia’s policy of national reconciliation entailing forgiveness of those who resisted freedom and independence. It commended its efforts to integrate indigenous minority groups into mainstream society and economy, particularly the San Development Programme aimed at improving the San’s socio-economic lives. It also acknowledged, inter alia, the establishment of the Ombudsman Office, prohibition of torture, inhuman treatment and of racial discrimination, the rights to health and access to safe drinking water and affirmative action and gender equality programmes. Swaziland commended the Zero Tolerance Against Gender-based Violence, including Human Trafficking, and passing the Prevention of Organized Crime. 42. Portugal welcomed Namibia’s efforts to define and criminalize torture and, regarding the Traditional Courts and Traditional Authorities Act, requested clarification on the powers of traditional judges, their knowledge of and abidance by human rights law, including the prohibition of torture. Acknowledging progress concerning gender issues, Portugal noted persisting societal discrimination against women, particularly regarding inheritance, land ownership and school access for young pregnant women and asked about measures taken. Portugal expressed concern about discrimination, violence and punitive acts against homosexuals and enquired about measures taken regarding HIV/AIDS campaigns. It also asked about measures to ensure the right of access to safe drinking water and basic sanitation. Portugal made recommendations. 43. Cuba recalled Namibia’s colonial history and the consequences of apartheid on the economy, including structural difficulties in employment creation and the perpetuation of poverty and inequality. International exploitation and pillaging of resources was key to Namibia’s underdevelopment. Cuba acknowledged the policies and measures adopted since independence to mitigate the negative effects of the past. It recognized difficulties to ensure food security. It noted improvements in areas of health, primary education, rights of women, children and ethnic minorities including the San and efforts to address HIV/AIDS. Cuba made recommendations. 44. China noted the implementation by Namibia’s parliament of the constitutional protection accorded to the economic, social and cultural rights, including through enacting legislation. It acknowledged Namibia’s investment in education and efforts to improve health services. China also noted its commitment to reducing inequalities and improving social welfare, while understanding the challenges it faces as a developing country. China made a recommendation. 45. Algeria acknowledged Namibia’s palpable achievements including on national reconciliation, combating racial discrimination, empowerment of women, rights of the child, and access to health and education, reflecting the country’s wish to break with its colonial history of human rights denial. Algeria noted income distribution inequalities, despite relatively high per capita income. Noting that HIV/AIDS remained a challenge for the population’s welfare and the economy, it appealed to stakeholders to contribute to combating this pandemic. Algeria made recommendations. 46. Palestine welcomed the progress made in Namibia regarding women’s empowerment, socially and legally, in addition to the number of constitutional and legislative provisions and Government policies that support gender equality. Palestine 7