A/HRC/26/11 64. In response to the question from Kuwait, the Comorian delegation stated that freedom of expression was guaranteed and that there was freedom of the press. Freedom of the press was reflected in the proliferation of media outlets. Powerful trade unions in almost all sectors were a vital component of civil society. 65. In response to questions from Djibouti, Germany, Mexico, Morocco, Senegal and Thailand, the Comorian delegation said that the Government was making the necessary effort to increase the financial resources of the National Committee for Human Rights and Freedoms, and that the independence of the Committee was guaranteed. 66. In response to questions from Kuwait, Madagascar, Malaysia, Mauritania, Morocco and Senegal, the Comorian delegation said that creating jobs and reducing unemployment were major concerns. That concern was reflected in the promotion of the private sector, which generated the most wealth and employment. The establishment of the Employment Centre was an important step. Microfinance was being developed and access to credit facilitated. 67. In response to questions from Algeria, Morocco and the United Kingdom, the Comorian delegation said that the small size of the territory facilitated access to justice and that mobile hearings were held regularly. The Government planned to provide legal assistance for anyone without adequate means. There were also plans for a communitybased justice system. 68. In response to questions from Botswana, Montenegro, Spain and the United States of America, the Comorian delegation said that the bill on the revision of the Criminal Code provided for the abolition of the death penalty. The moratorium on executions was observed. 69. In response to the question from the United States of America, the Comorian delegation said that corruption was a fact of life. Administrative and judicial measures were taken regularly in cases where corruption was found. A National Commission to Prevent and Combat Corruption had been set up. The high turnover of ministers of justice was not related to corruption but to specifically political problems. 70. In response to the questions from Djibouti, Libya, Madagascar, Montenegro, Morocco, Qatar, Singapore and Thailand, the Comorian delegation stated that the Government’s health policy prioritized maternal and child health. Huge progress had been made in ensuring that vulnerable persons had access to health care. 71. In response to the questions from Djibouti, Portugal and Thailand, the delegation said that women in Comoros had power and did not have lower social status. They were protected by traditional mechanisms. For example, in the event of divorce, the husband left the marital home and let the wife occupy it. In keeping with tradition, women were given preference in inheritance. Women played a powerful role in various community associations, particularly in relation to tontines, agriculture and livestock farming. They did well in business and had a major influence on political decisions. In the home, they had an influence on decision-making. Women figured prominently in public decision-making bodies and strategic administrative positions. The minimum age for marriage was 18. The Family Code and the Criminal Code prohibited early marriage. 72. In response to the questions from Germany, Ghana, Mexico, the United Kingdom and the United States of America, the delegation said that Comoros had a very long tradition of religious tolerance. There was an unwritten rule of mutual respect between all religious communities, and they refrained from proselytizing. Sects were not permitted. On that basis, no one was punished for their religious beliefs. However, the Government was vigilant against attempts to exploit religion for political motives. GE.14-13136 9