A/HRC/18/16 71. The Islamic Republic of Iran commended Sudan for its efforts in establishing peace. It noted the progress in promoting and protecting human rights, particularly the rights of children, women, ethnic groups and people with disabilities and the achievements in education, housing, poverty reduction, health care and development. It made recommendations. 72. Australia welcomed the Government’s engagement in the Southern Sudan referendum. It expressed concern at the ongoing conflict in Darfur, condemned attacks against civilians and called on the Government to allow greater access for humanitarian workers. Australia expressed concern over the use of children as labourers and combatants in Sudan. Australia made recommendations. 73. The Republic of Korea welcomed the outcome of the referendum on Southern Sudan and hoped that post-referendum negotiations would be completed as soon as possible. It expressed concern at the acts of sexual violence, particularly against internally displaced women and girls in Darfur. The Republic of Korea made recommendations. 74. Ecuador acknowledged the efforts of the Government to improve the human rights situation in Sudan, a country ravaged by years of violence. It acknowledged, as noted in the national report, progress in the legal and judicial areas. Ecuador made recommendations. 75. Sri Lanka welcomed the signing of the CPA. It encouraged the Government to work with relevant United Nations agencies to strengthen the National Education for All Plan and urged international partners to provide funds. It noted the efforts in the provision of health care and encouraged increased State spending on public health. It made recommendations. 76. On the question of the measures to ensure the non-involvement of children in armed conflicts, the delegation noted that the Child Act (2010) prohibits explicitly the involvement of children in armed conflict. Also, the Armed Forces Act (2007) prevents the recruitment of children below 18 years and provides for penalties therefor. 77. Regarding national mechanisms to combat violence against women in Darfur, the delegation noted that there is a federal Unit to combat violence against women and children, with branches in the three Darfur states. The Unit has a national plan of action to combat violence against women and protect women and children from all forms of violence. 78. With regard to the rights of person with disabilities, the delegation confirmed that Sudan has ratified the relevant United Nations Convention, passed a national law and established a national council to address the rights of disabled persons, headed by the President of the Republic. There is also a national strategy to provide services for persons with disabilities, particularly women and children. 79. Regarding efforts to limit poverty, the delegation noted that there is a national strategy to reduce poverty through microfunding projects and zakat programmes targeting poor families. 80. Concerning the minimum age of criminal responsibility, the Child Act (2010) set the age to 12 years. Persons below 18 years are not executed in Sudan. The law also protects children from all forms of child labour. Strategies have been adopted in the areas of health and education aimed at reducing child mortality and providing children with access to basic education. 81. Sudan has personal matters laws designed to address the rights of Muslims and nonMuslims in issues like marriage and divorce. Regarding protection of the rights of nonMuslims, the Constitution provides for citizenship as the basis for rights and freedoms, including the assumption of public posts up to the Presidency of the Republic. 11