A/HRC/8/42 Page 12 implementation and enforcement of such legislation. It also recommended that Pakistan restore as soon as possible all fundamental freedoms, as guaranteed by Pakistan’s Constitution, that were suspended with the imposition of the state of emergency in November and December 2007 with the understanding that this implies reconfirming the independence of the judiciary and cancelling all remaining charges to human rights defenders. 62. The Czech Republic noted reports of illegal jirgas that still issue calls for violence against women and requested elaboration on the measures to eliminate these calls and to punish those responsible. It recommended that Pakistan adopt as a matter of priority further legislative and practical measures to (a) combat violence again women, (b) to decriminalize adultery and nonmarital consensual sex, (c) raise public awareness about the laws, better train police and other authorities to deal appropriately and effectively with victims of sexual assault and other violence against women, ensure victims’ access to justice, especially by adopting rules of evidence that give equal weight to testimony given by men and women, and improve support services such as shelters and burn units for women; (d) to ensure punishment for perpetrators of violence against women, thoroughly investigate and punish members and leaders of illegal jirgas for their calls to violence against women; (e) including by prohibiting in all circumstances the use of the provisions of the Qisas and Diyat law in cases of honour killings, and (f) to issue and implement a standing invitation to special procedures, enable the already requested visits and to ratify as a matter of priority the ICCPR, CAT and the Optional Protocol thereto. 63. Regarding gender equality and education, Bangladesh encouraged Pakistan to continue improving the situation of women through “pro-women” policies and inquired about the measures adopted to modernize the educational system of madrassas. 64. Brazil enquired about the main priorities in Pakistan’s efforts to fully implement ICESCR. It also asked about steps taken in combating racism and all forms of discrimination, including discrimination against women. It asked about policy, steps taken and forward-looking measures regarding the implementation of CAT, and the situation of human rights defenders. Brazil enquired about the main steps and challenges to guarantee the rights of child. Brazil recommended that Pakistan consider acceding to the Convention on Enforced Disappearances; to continue its efforts towards ratifying and implementing ICCPR, ICESCR and CAT; and to consider establishing a national policy of protection of human rights defenders, which could focus on a national system for protection of witnesses and human rights defenders 65. Panama welcomed the ratification of the ILO Convention N. 100 concerning Equal Remuneration for Men and Women Workers for Work of Equal Value and expressed the hope that expected results in the area of access to drinking water would be met. Panama welcomed the introduction of human rights in the school curricula, including the theme of gender equality. 66. Nepal enquired how Pakistan intends to ensure that its high growth rate will benefit economic and social rights in the country. 67. Denmark referred to indications that the lower castes, Hindus officially known as Scheduled Castes (Dalits), are exposed to caste-based discrimination. It noted the absence of specific laws and measures prohibiting discrimination against Scheduled Castes. It asked about a proper legal framework to prevent discrimination on the basis of caste, descent and occupation. Denmark recommended (a) that Pakistan take specific and targeted measures to effectively prevent discrimination against Scheduled Castes; (b) the repeal of laws discriminating against non-Muslims, if any; and (c) that ICCPR and CAT be ratified as a matter of priority. 68. Sweden acknowledged the new “Criminal Law” and the 2006 “Anti- Women Practices Act, both intended to limit the consequences of the Hadood Ordinances. It noted Pakistan’s acknowledgment that there are still accounts of honour killings, acid attacks and forced marriages and that redress for these crimes remains difficult. Sweden requested further elaboration on