A/HRC/24/12 119. Mauritania noted that Bangladesh’s report and replies to questions reflected the importance given to strengthening institutional and legislative frameworks for promoting human rights in the country. It valued the many procedures and significant measures adopted by Bangladesh, specifically in relation to ethnic minorities and child labour. 120. Mexico acknowledged Bangladesh’s cooperation with the international human rights system and invited it to continue cooperation with Special procedures. It urged to increase the National Human Rights Commission financial and human resources. It made recommendations. 121. The Minister expressed concern over the recent political violence and heavy causalities suffered by police personnel as they used maximum restraint to contain violence. She said that the regressive forces would not be allowed to reverse the progress made so far. She appreciated the international community’s support to the ongoing trials of the perpetrators of crimes against humanity and genocide in 1971. She gave an account of the rights of the accused under the ICT Act, 1973 to ensure due process and fair trial. 122. The Minister said Bangladesh would remain committed to upholding family values and tradition as well as human rights of all individuals. The Minister informed that an AntiDiscrimination Law was in the offing to protect the rights of socially marginalized groups, who were also covered under Social Safety Net Programmes. 123. She highlighted the protection and assistance to Rohingya refugees from Myanmar, including their education in the native Myanmar language, food, nutrition, potable water, sanitation, medical facilities, skill development and security. The Government was currently developing a comprehensive policy to address the protracted Rohingya refugee situation. 124. She said that the Government had taken policy initiatives in conformity with articles 2 and 16(c) (1) of CEDAW, while reviewing the withdrawal of reservations on the same. She said that there was no difference between men and women regarding acquisition, enjoyment and disposal of property, individually or jointly, during marriage. 125. The Minister briefed about anti-trafficking measures in Bangladesh, including a comprehensive legislation and a National Plan of Action 2012–2014. 126. The Minister said that Bangladesh’s consideration of ratification of ILO Convention 169 would need to be contextualized within the parameters of the Constitutional provision. The Small Ethnic Groups Cultural Institutions Act, 2010 had been enacted to preserve and promote the cultural identity of the ethnic minorities. She said the draft CHT Land Commission (Amendment) Act, 2013 was at the final stage through consultation with the CHT Regional Council. She discussed the status of implementation of the CHT Accord and the development activities undertaken in the previous four year, including education, health-care and sanitation services. 127. The Minister said that ratification of OP-CAT was under consideration but a decision could be facilitated following Bangladesh’s submission of a Period Report to the Treaty Body and assessment of its capacity to fulfill obligations under the instrument. 128. The Minister reaffirmed Bangladesh’s commitment to the UPR process and expressed her appreciation to National Human Rights Commission, NGOs, civil society, media, as well as States participating in the interactive debate, Troika, Secretariat, the interpreters and Council President for their cooperation. 13