A/HRC/4/6 page 10 B. Human rights of women 21. The incidence of gender-based violence combined with a lack of implementation of the applicable legislation is a serious concern. Domestic violence and harmful traditional practices are not being addressed and the non-implementation of the above-mentioned Rape Law means that discrimination against women continues unabated. The fact that no redress is available often leads to the unfortunate practice of out-of-court settlements in cases of rape. The Association of Female Lawyers, the only NGO providing free advice and representation for women and children, is undertaking an assessment of the implementation of the Rape Law, which should be available in the next year. To date the Association has been very much Monrovia-based; it is to be hoped that their much-needed assistance will soon be available in the interior of the country. 22. The establishment of a woman and child unit at police stations is, however, a very welcome development. This unit is only present in three counties but the stated intention is that these should be established across the country. Such a unit is now automatically installed where stations are refurbished or to be constructed. UNICEF is providing the training for the staff though there are difficulties in this area. Many trained staff have been deactivated in the downsizing exercise while the command and control structure in many stations is weak. C. Human rights of children 23. The ratification of International Labour Organization Convention No. 182 (1999), which prohibits the most dangerous forms of child labour, obliges Liberia to take steps to eliminate such practices. The Ministry of Labour has assured that legislation is being drafted to give effect to these provisions in domestic law. It is hoped that the current situation, in which children are employed in their hundreds throughout the country in quarries, and engage in rock crushing and transport activities, can be resolved. Poverty also forces children, who are selling goods at market for their parents, to engage in commercial sex to supplement their incomes. 24. An assessment of reintegration of ex-combatants shows that assimilation of child soldiers has been successful, with only 5 per cent maintaining contact with their former commanders. Furthermore, 70 per cent are now attending school. V. ECONOMIC, SOCIAL AND CULTURAL RIGHTS 25. The progressive realization of economic, social and cultural rights, as required under the International Covenant, which was ratified by Liberia and entered into force in 2004, continues to pose major challenges. The lack of infrastructure and resources to implement projects is a source of great concern. The crippling Liberian debt, which is the highest per capita debt in the world, is another concern. Due consideration should be given to a debt relief programme so that Liberia can be freed from accumulating debt. A. The right to work, fair remuneration and regular payment of wages 26. The commitment of the Ministry of Labour to a comprehensive labour reform programme and the ongoing consultation process with all stakeholders is an encouraging development. The fact that there is social dialogue among workers, managers and the Government and that the latter is to invite the workers’ union as an observer to the minimum