A/HRC/15/3 customary law, which seemed to prolong women’s inequalities. It also requested information about the adopted measures aimed at the implementation of the National Plan of Action 2010-2020 to eliminate violence against women, and about the activities undertaken thus far in that regard. Argentina made recommendations. 50. Slovakia appreciated the fact that the death penalty had been abolished in Kiribati. It welcomed the free compulsory primary school education, as well as the increasing number of girls attending school. However, it was concerned by the persistent cases of violence against children, in particular sexual violence, including commercial sexual exploitation, which had not been sufficiently prosecuted. In addition, children were increasingly exposed to domestic violence. Slovakia made recommendations. 51. New Zealand shared its deep concern about the entrenched discrimination against women that pervades Kiribati society. However, it credited Kiribati for having ratified the CEDAW. New Zealand further welcomed its police capacity-building specifically targeting violence against women and its National Action Plan. It recognized Kiribati’s geographical and environmental challenges and its limited resources. New Zealand made recommendations. 52. Sweden noted reports indicating that violence and discrimination against women remained a problem, asking Kiribati to elaborate as to what measures were being taken to ensure the rights of women. It also noted the reports by UNICEF and international nongovernmental organizations regarding the alcohol-related physical and sexual abuse of children and concerns about child prostitution. Sweden asked what measures were being taken to prevent and address child abuse and child prostitution. Sweden made recommendations. 53. Chile noted the challenges faced by Kiribati, including its fight against poverty and the effects of climate change. It noted the national report highlighting the need to undertake further work to guarantee the necessary legal framework for facilitating the protection of women. Chile also noted Kiribati’s recognition that the Criminal Code and other codes regarding children’s rights and interests should be revised. Chile made recommendations. 54. Japan stated that Kiribati had yet to ratify most of the core international human rights instruments, asking about the efforts aimed at ratifying those instruments. It thanked the delegation for its explanation that assessment for accession to these instruments was currently being done, and stated that it looked forward to further information on the development in this regard. Japan also noted reports that domestic violence against women and corporal punishment of children were daily occurrences. Japan further noted the actions being taken under the Kiribati Development Plan 2008-2011 in designated key policy areas. Japan expressed hope that Kiribati would build a stable society through the effective implementation of the Plan and that it would also improve the human rights situation. Japan made a recommendation. 55. Australia was pleased to note the undertaking by Kiribati to submit its State report to the CEDAW Committee and the efforts made to align its national laws with the Convention. It praised Kiribati’s endorsement of the Pacific Regional Strategy on Disability in October 2009, which fostered links to the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities. Australia made recommendations. 56. The United States of America expressed its support for the creation of a national, independent commission for human rights, as indicated by Kiribati in the national report, as well as for the continued efforts aimed at eliminating gender inequality, discrimination, and violence against women and children. The United States also expressed support for Kiribati’s efforts to promulgate a draft amendment to the Constitution that would protect against discrimination and would seek to protect the rights of women and children. It made a recommendation in that regard. 10