A/HRC/12/5* 13. The delegation states that, in 2002, a sectoral education policy was adopted as part of the drive to achieve the Millennium Development Goals. A project to support reform of the Chadian education system was launched. 14. Chad is a country in which the illiteracy rate is quite high and efforts are being made to provide basic education. Thus, in order to combat illiteracy, a decree was issued by the Government in 2000 under which a centre for the elimination of illiteracy in Chad was established. Similarly, the Government is keen to ensure that deaf, blind and sick children are able to attend school and there are training schools to provide for their education. One of the Government’s policies is to lower the cost of education for girls, social-welfare cases and poor children. 15. According to the delegation, the right to culture is guaranteed by the Constitution, and it is the duty of the State to safeguard and promote the national values of civilization. Every citizen has the right to create, to enjoy protection of, and to benefit from his intellectual and artistic works. There is a ministry specifically responsible for culture, youth and sport which deals with all these matters. 16. The delegation notes that, since 1990, Chad has embarked upon a process of ensuring women’s full development. Since ratification of the Convention on the Rights of the Child, with the support of partners and in particular UNICEF, a dedicated programme has been set up for children. 17. The Act of 9 May 2007 was adopted to safeguard the rights of disabled persons. 18. The delegation states that freedom of opinion and expression is recognized for all. Everyone is free to seek and receive information, since the Constitution provides that the freedoms of opinion and expression, communication, conscience, religion, the press, association, assembly, movement, demonstration and parades are guaranteed to all. These freedoms may only be restricted with due respect for the freedoms and rights of others and in response to the need to safeguard public order and morals (art. 27). 19. The delegation mentions that the freedom to form a political party or to belong to the political party of one’s choice is recognized in the national legislation and that more than 100 legally constituted political parties are active in Chad. In order to encourage this democratic form of expression, these political parties each receive a subsidy for their operating costs. Similarly, the freedom of all citizens to express their ideas and opinions through any means of communication is recognized, as is freedom of the press and printing (Press Act, arts. 1 and 2). Chad’s numerous independent radio stations and newspapers contribute to the exercise of these freedoms. 20. The Government of Chad has issued a law regulating the press. Freedom of expression is recognized by law and exercised by all citizens, and political debates are broadcast even on national radio. Private radio stations are governed by a specific law. The delegation notes, however, that illiteracy, widespread poverty, the inadequate resources of newspapers and private radio stations, and the psychological aftermath of long years of political repression constitute undoubted impediments to the full development of these public freedoms. 21. The delegation states that, since the adoption of various laws relating to freedom of association, especially after 1990, there has been a proliferation of various kinds of associations and trade unions. 22. Finally, the delegation reports that a comprehensive reform aimed at harmonizing the enactments governing the judicial system with international standards, in particular the Criminal Code, the Codes of Civil and Criminal Procedure and the Family Code, has been launched and is in its final stages. The delegation reiterates its willingness to cooperate fully with the various United Nations bodies in this area and emphasizes that Chad had GE.09-16375 5