A/HRC/37/6 110. The Central African Republic highlighted the efforts made by Gabon for the adoption of several legal instruments aimed at strengthening the mechanisms for promoting and protecting human rights. 111. Chad commended Gabon for its cooperation with the United Nations human rights mechanisms. It noted the progress made to align the national legislation with United Nations human rights instruments, and the elaboration of the Children’s Code. 112. With regard to a national preventive mechanism, the delegation of Gabon noted that, in September 2017, a workshop had been organized to identify the challenges that lay ahead. A road map had been developed and a working group established to engage in dialogue with a range of national bodies, including the Constitutional Court. The road map called for the adoption of a law by 2018 at the latest and the establishment of a national body in November 2018. 113. In connection with the concerns of the United States of America regarding the postelection events, the delegation reiterated that Gabon respected the right to freedom of conscience, thought, opinion and expression and the freedom to practise religion provided that public order was maintained. The Government thus had to intervene when incidents such as the setting of the National Assembly on fire disrupted the public order. Nevertheless, following political dialogue, legislative measures had been taken to improve arrangements at public gatherings. 114. With regard to the situation of women, and following the recommendations made during the second universal periodic review, a bill on domestic violence had been drafted and preventive legislation had been adopted to put an end to genital mutilation and to ensure respect for the inheritance rights of women. 115. With respect to the concerns of France regarding the need for a modern civil society, the delegation emphasized that civil society maintained a legal and physical presence in Gabon, although it appeared at times to align itself with and be guided by political opinions. 116. Education was compulsory in Gabon and was guaranteed in the Constitution. Considerable efforts had been made in that regard. The budget allocated to education represented between 30 and 35 per cent of the national budget, and a fierce campaign had been mounted against trafficking in young people in the public procurement system. 117. In conclusion, Gabon thanked the countries that had contributed to the debate and reiterated its commitment to implementing the recommendations it accepted following the session. II. Conclusions and/or recommendations 118. The recommendations formulated during the interactive dialogue/listed below have been examined by Gabon and enjoy the support of Gabon: 118.1 Fully implement the outcomes of the 2017 political dialogue, particularly measures to improve health and social protection, gender equality, education, training and job creation (South Africa); 118.2 Continue its efforts to implement the outcomes from the political dialogue in 2017 (Sudan); 118.3 Favour national unity through dialogue as a guarantor for security, without which there can be no development (Central African Republic); 118.4 Facilitate the development, in law and practice, of a safe and enabling environment in which both civil society and human rights defenders can operate free from fear, hindrance and insecurity (Ireland); 118.5 Continue to promote programmes for human rights education and awareness-raising (Pakistan); 118.6 Fully implement certain recommendations to which it has committed itself (Madagascar); GE.17-23556 11