A/HRC/8/42 Page 15 87. The Islamic Republic of Iran noted the cooperation with the United Nations mechanisms and Pakistan’s commitment to establish an independent human rights institution. Iran encouraged the Government to increase its efforts and strengthen its policies in fighting terrorism; combating any manifestation of violence, torture, ill-treatment, economic exploitation and sexual abuse of women and children, combating trafficking, especially of women and children, and requested further information in this regard. 88. Italy wanted to know whether Pakistan intended to reduce the scope of offences for which the death penalty is provided and impose a moratorium. Italy recommended that Pakistan urgently adopt effective measures to address violation of children’s rights, in particular child labour, prostitution and trafficking and to consider increasing the legal age for criminal responsibility. Italy also recommended to Pakistan to take steps towards the swift ratification of all core instruments of international human rights law and strengthening cooperation with international human rights mechanisms, in particular human rights special procedures. 89. Egypt commended Pakistan on steps taken to establish an independent national human rights institution, in fulfilment of its voluntary pledges, and hoped that this process will be concluded successfully in a timely manner. While noting that Pakistan has achieved considerable progress in its efforts to eliminate child labour, Egypt requested information on any persisting challenges. Egypt encouraged Pakistan to continue its efforts to promote and protect human rights and take all the necessary steps to this effect. 90. Australia noted the improvement of political freedoms and the Government’s stated intention to lift restrictions on the freedom of the media. It encouraged the implementation of the obligations contained in ICCPR, ICESCR and CAT. It asked if Pakistan intended to ratify to the two Optional Protocols on the CRC, signed in 2001. It welcomed Pakistan’s contributions to OHCHR but noted outstanding requests of special procedures and encouraged Pakistan to accept their visits. 91. Mauritius noted measures to uphold family values and to protect the rights of women and children, and highlighted investments in the field of education. 92. Albania encouraged and recommended to continue efforts to become a party to the seven basic human rights treaties. It noted that women are represented in economic, social and political life. Albania encouraged and recommended to Pakistan to strengthen the capacities of its law enforcement agencies to meet the challenges of its societies connected with crimes and instances that could arise as a result of traditional mentalities. 93. Colombia emphasized the importance of the adoption of a National Plan Action and the Plan of Action for Gender Reform and asked in which areas progress has been made. 94. New Zealand welcomed measures taken to release detained judges and intentions to work towards an independent judiciary, as well as media freedoms approaching levels similar to those before the state of emergency. It expressed concern regarding reports of violence against women and girls and noted the lack of specific legislation on domestic violence and that not all of the Hadood Ordinances have been repealed, which impact on the rights of women. It asked about steps to address this issue and recommended that Pakistan take action to introduce measures to prevent violence against women. 95. In response to the question raised regarding the Commission on Women’s Rights, Pakistan stated that due to this Commission, many gaps between the NGO sector, women’s organisations and the government were bridged. This Commission was formed to appease women who, during the mid 1980s, were extremely marginalized and were subjected to discriminatory laws by a discriminatory government at that time. The main aim was to bridge that gap, and to bring up issues which were condemned by the Government. The Commission thus raised these issues, rationalized