A/HRC/15/7 achievement of food security. It welcomed in particular the adoption of the Children’s Protection Act of 1980. However, it stated that such efforts were hampered by the lack of capacity and resources. Egypt made recommendations. 47. Germany appreciated the fact that the interests of the child remained one of the top priorities in the Government’s policies and programmes. On the other hand, the Committee on the Rights of the Child had raised serious concerns about incidents of violence against children committed by law enforcement officials and the lack of investigation or criminal justice response to such incidents. Another serious issue was the indications of a high number of sexual abuses against women. It asked which measures the Government had taken or would take to strengthen the awareness of children’s rights issues within the criminal justice system. Germany made recommendations. 48. Norway noted the progress reported on gender equality, but remained concerned about, inter alia, the persistence of discrimination based on customary law. It expressed concern about apparently insufficient information about, and the organization of, the local elections to be held in 2010. It was concerned about the Independent Electoral Commission and its ability and role in electoral processes and in disseminating voter awareness. It expressed concern about reports that newspapers had been subjected to claims of defamation for having reported on political leaders. It commended the draft media policy, which included appropriate codification of the right to freedom of expression. Norway made recommendations. 49. Morocco inquired about the community programme for rehabilitating persons with disabilities, launched in 2005, and particularly its goals and its implementation process. Morocco noted with satisfaction the National Vision 2020 as a strategic framework for economic, social, political and human development. It referred to the negative impact of the international financial and economic crisis on Lesotho. Finally, Morocco was pleased by the priority placed on the establishment of a human rights commission in accordance with the Paris Principles. Morocco made recommendations. 50. Nigeria encouraged Lesotho to continue to build its socio-economic and political frameworks for enhancing the protection and promotion of fundamental human rights and freedoms for its people. It referred to the challenges faced by Lesotho in the implementation of its international and national human rights obligations. Therefore, it called on the international community and United Nations agencies such as WHO and FAO to provide support to Lesotho. Nigeria made one recommendation. 51. Bangladesh highlighted Lesotho’s challenges as a least developed country. It appreciated the efforts made in education and in enhancing the participation of children at the primary level through legislation and the Vision 2020 initiative, which addressed the rights of children. It expressed concern about violence against women and HIV/AIDS prevalence. It reiterated that the international community should consider providing support to Lesotho for follow-up on recommendations. It made recommendations. 52. Netherlands commended Lesotho for having ratified most core human rights treaties. It expressed concern that, despite the country’s efforts, violence against women and children persisted. It expressed concern about the reported interference of the army in the discharge of the duties of the police, in matters such as the disputes following the 2007 elections. It noted with concern the reported lack of independence of the judiciary. It mentioned the issue of the rights of lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender persons, and the fact that a sexual relationship between consenting adult men was still illegal. It understood that the Sexual Offences Act had made the Sodomy Law useless. Netherlands made recommendations. 53. Indonesia noted with appreciation the fact that Lesotho had ratified almost all the core human rights treaties. It welcomed Lesotho’s efforts to promote the rights of people 8