A/HRC/13/17 Page 13 areas. Morocco acknowledged the comprehensive human rights education programmes implemented through federal programmes of civic education and ethics in all schools. 83. Poland highlighted the adoption of a Mass Media and Freedom of Information Proclamation in 2008, while indicating that human rights defenders remain exposed to repression and persecution and deprived of the right to freedom of expression. It asked about steps in order to release detained human rights defenders and to eradicate harassment of members of political opposition parties, journalists and human rights defenders. 84. Cuba highlighted Ethiopia’s progress in health, education, culture and the rights of persons with disabilities, children and women. It welcomed measures to broaden coverage and access to health services. In this context, it urged the international community to redouble cooperation and financial assistance. Cuba welcomed the increased quality of education and school attendance rates. It highlighted that primary and second education is free of charge and the affirmative measures regarding access to education for, inter alia, girls and persons with disabilities. 85. Switzerland expressed concern at persisting ethnic conflicts and encouraged Ethiopia to double its efforts of political integration. Recognizing the progress made, Switzerland remained concerned that too many women and children are still victims of exploitation and sexual abuse and that many acts remain unpunished. It stressed the need for free and independent media and noted that the 2009 Proclamation for the Registration and Regulation of Charities and Societies raised concerns. 86. Slovakia commended the provisions criminalising harmful traditional practices and most forms of human trafficking. It expressed concern at the continued, while limited, application of the death penalty. Slovakia noted that social stereotypes discriminating against women persisted. 87. Ghana commended Ethiopia for measures to increase school enrolment rates, to expand higher education, to deliver essential primary healthcare services at household-level, and to expand infrastructure. It referred to challenges and constraints, including widespread poverty, resource constraints, traditional practices and the prevalence of deadly diseases, and issues raised by some treaty bodies. 88. Côte d’Ivoire appreciated the temporary special measures taken in relation to discrimination of women. It welcomed that 30 per cent of university places are reserved for female students and hoped that these efforts would be continued. It also welcomed the friendly relations Ethiopia entertained with neighbours despite difficulties faced in recent years, and noted that Ethiopia received refugees from these countries for a long time. 89. The United Arab Emirates commended Ethiopia’s achievements in the field of education, including the increased enrolment rate of children in primary education resulting in decreased illiteracy among children at school age. The United Arab Emirates requested information on education programmes referred to in the national report and on their impact. 90. Bangladesh noted that Ethiopia faces widespread poverty, food shortage, malaria and HIV/AIDS, and stated that its level of development and other constraints should not be ignored. Bangladesh acknowledged Ethiopia’s progress in a number of areas and underlined the need for international support in other areas.