A/HRC/13/17 Page 9 rights education programmes delivered through the federal and state civic and ethical education programmes. 47. Spain noted its interest for Ethiopia’s policies and strategies, particularly regarding the rights of women and combating gender violence. Spain noted efforts to improve the protection of the rights of women, in particular the National Policy on Women, the National Action Plan on Gender Equality and the Women’s Development Package. 48. Brazil highlighted the free anti-retroviral programme to combat HIV/AIDS and the awareness campaign against female genital mutilation. It welcomed Ethiopia’s continuous hosting of large numbers of refugees. Brazil asked how the National Policy on Women addresses domestic and sexual violence and about specific institutions to investigate cases of gender violence and ensure redress. It expressed concern about women’s limited access to education and encouraged Ethiopia to continue efforts to reduce the maternal mortality ratio. Brazil expressed concern for the deteriorating food security situation in some regions of Ethiopia and encouraged the international community to increase humanitarian resources, to eliminate trade-distorting subsidies and to enhance technical cooperation. 49. Ethiopia indicated that detailed responses to all recommendations and questions will be addressed in a written submission to the Human Rights Council before the thirteenth session. 50. Ethiopia stated that the recently enacted civil society law is the only legislation where stakeholders were consulted at the level of the Prime Minister. The law is in force and Ethiopia considers it serves the national interest. The delegation did not consider the need to repeal the law. The law needs an opportunity to operate before a review is considered. The registration of existing organisations and new organisations is ongoing. 51. On the anti-terrorism legislation, Ethiopia had looked at corresponding legislation in other countries. It did not consider that a review of this legislation is warranted at this time as it is working well. The delegation did not consider that the legislation contravenes the freedom of expression and freedom of the media. In enacting it, efforts were made to ensure that the obligations under international human rights law are complied with. There is law protecting rights and in the case of infractions, victims may go to court to seek appropriate relief. 52. Ethiopia is not against visits of special rapporteurs, and has extended invitations in the past. However, due consideration must be given to the preparations required for such visits. In principle, Ethiopia is supportive of visits by special rapporteurs and will consider the requests for such visits as and when received. 53. Ethiopia indicated that humanitarian assistance throughout the country, access to regions for food distribution and policies and programmes for food production are all in place but their implementation is still in progress. The delegation stressed that it will not accept that any region in Ethiopia was denied access to food. 54. As regards Ethiopia’s human rights implementation, the delegation indicated that it did not know any country that will claim that its human rights implementation is perfect. The delegation stated that Ethiopia will try its best to live up to its obligations. 55. Ethiopia stated that a national action plan for persons with disabilities is being developed.