A/HRC/11/21* to constructing new prisons. Regarding cooperation with treaty bodies, Cameroon has difficulties in submitting its reports, but has submitted several such documents in 2008. 12. Cameroon is determined to remain a serious and committed actor in the promotion and implementation of human rights. However, the magnitude of the task requires technical and financial assistance from the international community for personnel training and infrastructure construction. Cameroon is a country with more than 240 ethnic groups and a population of almost 18 million. Its everyday reality is very complex and calls for benevolent understanding. In the process of human rights promotion and protection, Cameroon hoped for support from the Human Rights Council (HRC) and the international community. B. Interactive dialogue and responses by the State under review 13. During the ensuing interactive dialogue, statements were made by 54 delegations, a number of which congratulated Cameroon on its constructive and consultative approach to the UPR process. Statements were also made commending the quality of the national report and Cameroon’s commitment and achievements in the field of human rights, including its ratification of a number of international and regional human rights treaties. A number of delegations commended the transformation of the National Committee on Human Rights and Freedoms to the National Commission on Human Rights and Freedoms, in line with the Paris Principles. A number of delegations also commended the planned introduction of human rights education in primary schools. 14. Algeria recommended to Cameroon accede to the optional protocols to CRC and to the International Convention on the Protection of the Rights of All Migrants Workers and Members of Their Families (ICRMW). As the report emphasized the difficulty of eradicating corruption, Algeria recommended Cameroon increase effectiveness of the Plan of Action to reform the judicial system to combat corruption more effectively. It welcomed the improvement of conditions of detention since the entry into force of the Code of Criminal Procedure and recommended Cameroon to take all necessary measures to ensure conformity of those conditions with international standards. It recommended Cameroon request technical assistance from OHCHR to improve the promotion of human rights. 15. China noted with appreciation Cameroon’s adoption of legislation to guarantee various freedoms and equal rights, its establishment of human-rights-monitoring bodies; progress in guaranteeing a fair trial for citizens and prevention of abuse of power by law enforcement personnel and active part in the human rights dialogue at the international and regional levels. As host country for the United Nations Sub-regional Centre for Human Rights and Democracy for Central Africa, Cameroon had cooperated in organizing useful activities, with good results. Also, Cameroon was party to main international and regional human rights instruments. China stressed that, as a developing country, Cameroon was faced with human rights challenges and more support and understanding were required from the international community. 16. Germany asked about the ratification of the Optional Protocols to the Convention on the Rights of the Child; the International Convention for the Protection of All Persons from Enforced Disappearance (CED) and the Rome Statute. Germany recommended Cameroon (a) facilitate full access to prisons by international and local humanitarian organizations and speed up judicial reforms, including the construction of new prisons; (b) raise awareness of the issue of FGM and adopt adequate legislation prohibiting the present practice and continue to implement effective programmes to sensitize the population about the harmful effects caused by this practice; (c) subscribe fully to the principle of equality in all areas of life, especially in respect of employment and occupation, and review and adapt the relevant GE.09-16396 5