A/HRC/21/3 75. The right to housing is enshrined under the new Constitution. Morocco undertook sustained efforts to ensure access to housing for the greatest possible number of people and low–income households. The Government is intensifying and diversifying housing by carrying out dedicated programmes in order to eradicate slums by 2016 through the construction of social housing, low and middle-cost houses. There is also a programme combating exclusion in the slums. It’s a public/private partnership with local communities and Ministries involved. The national human development programme is in its second phase, including combating poverty in rural and urban areas based on a participatory philosophy, active solidarity, the gender perspective and a constant desire to ensure that activities are located in their own territories, in particular where wealth is created. Morocco is achieving outstanding results, particularly for the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs). 76. Estonia commended Morocco for ratifying the First Optional Protocol to the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR) and for introducing a National Plan of Action in the area of democracy and human rights. It welcomed the withdrawal of its reservations to two articles of CEDAW although concerned that discrimination against women still existed. Estonia made recommendations. 77. Ethiopia, commending Morocco on its efforts and commitment to improving human rights in its country, asked whether the new Constitution gave special attention to the promotion of local languages and what measures had been adopted in that regard. 78. France praised the adoption of the new Constitution in 2011. It noted with satisfaction the national dialogue that has been initiated to set up a new Press Code. It referred to the moratorium on the death penalty since 1993. France made recommendations. 79. Germany appreciated Morocco’s commitment to implementing the recommendations of the first UPR cycle, and especially legislative reforms in the area of family law, contributing to the realization of gender equality. Germany asked what plans exist to enact legislation defining the crime of torture consistent with article 1 of the Convention against Torture (CAT) and to increase accountability mechanisms, and if there are any plans to improve prison conditions. It thanked Morocco for its commitment to and excellent cooperation within the “Blue Group” to promote the human right to safe drinking water and sanitation. Germany made recommendations. 80. Ghana welcomed Morocco’s reform efforts including inter-alia the adoption of a new Constitution and the development of national human rights institutions. It urged the expeditious process towards the ratification of ILO Conventions No. 189, 169 and 87. 81. Greece asked what further action Morocco intended to take to combat torture and illtreatment and to bring the perpetrators to justice. It also asked whether further programmes would be implemented to reduce school dropouts. Greece made recommendations. 82. Guinea praised the progress made in the protection and promotion of human rights. It referred to the new Constitution and its engagement in human rights. It encouraged and invited Morocco to share its best practices and pursue its efforts in the implementation of the reforms. 83. The Holy See highlighted the challenges still facing Morocco, including reducing poverty and child, infant and maternal mortality, providing electricity and drinking water in rural areas and enhancing education, employment and housing. The Holy See made recommendations. 84. Hungary inquired about the measures envisaged in the National Action Plan to ensure the rights of persons with disabilities. Hungary welcomed the de facto moratorium 11