A/HRC/17/14 of women and it was incorrect to presume that the traditional leaders were perpetuating gender inequality and violence. Instead, they were part of that reform process. 54. Almost 65 per cent of the population now had access to safe drinking water on tap. Namibia was doing everything possible to improve upon this achievement. 55. Namibia would continue to build on its achievements in education. The education sector had received eight per cent of annual GDP ever since independence. Health received the second highest budget support annually. 56. To eliminate social inequality, the Government had formulated the New Equitable Economic Empowerment Framework. 57. On the HIV/AIDS pandemic, the Government had made great strides. In the 1990s, some 22 per cent of pregnant women had HIV, against the current 16 per cent. With the introduction of free antiretroviral medicine, the death rate had also dropped. 58. The Government was introducing free meals at schools and had enacted grants for orphans and other programmes for orphans, vulnerable children, the elderly and war veterans. 59. The policies of the apartheid regime did not allow Namibians to be educated in order to man the court. The number of judges and lawyers was therefore very low. Namibia was now using the expertise of its own citizens. The Supreme Court still received support from neighbouring countries, for which Namibia is grateful. 60. On the issue of forced sterilization of women of child-bearing age living with HIV/AIDS, Namibia stated that it did not have such a policy, and the assumption was based on allegations which were before the courts. 61. Morocco noted Namibia’s commitment and its rich culture and traditions, reflected in its legal and institutional framework, which is constantly being improved. Morocco welcomed inter alia the draft law on the realization and protection of children, which, once adopted, will cover all its international commitments. Morocco asked about the importance given to the draft law on trafficking. At the institutional level, Morocco welcomed the annual children’s Parliament in promoting and respecting the rights of children by ensuring that they freely participate effectively in public life. Morocco asked for more information on the role of the Office of the Ombudsman in human rights training. Morocco made recommendations. 62. Chile noted the awareness of the international community of the reality that affected Namibia and its efforts to achieve national reconciliation and overcome structural inequality, which are vital for the proper working of multiparty democracies and the upholding of human rights. Chile believed that the creation of the Ombudsman as a national human rights institution with “A” status in line with the Paris Principles, reveals Namibia’s commitment to society to protect and uphold human rights. Chile highlighted the efforts made to implement public policies that guarantee economic, social and cultural rights, in particular the action of the Government in the area of education and primary education. Chile made recommendations. 63. Austria commended Namibia for its achievements since its independence, but noted remaining challenges. Expressing concerns that the accused in the Caprivi High Treason Trial remain detained without judgement, it enquired about measures to ensure their right to be tried without undue delay. Concerning gender-based violence, it commended Namibia’s zero-tolerance policy, but noted the call by the Committee on the Elimination of Discrimination against Women to review the Married Persons Equality Act to eliminate discrimination against women in customary marriages, and enquired about the entry into 9