A/HRC/12/9 Page 13 88. The delegation noted that Afghanistan acceded to the United Nations Convention against Corruption in 2003 and that the fight against corruption is mainstreamed in the work of Government. A special unit and prosecutor’s office has been established to fight corruption. The Government is committed to the protection and promotion of women’s rights and has established a National Action Plan for Women to promote gender equality and enforce gender mainstreaming in governmental institutions. The Ministry of Women provides capacity-building classes, microcredit opportunities and literacy classes. Afghan women participate in 34 provincial councils and are active members of various political parties. Additionally, AIHRC is currently headed by a woman. Initial steps have been taken to prepare an initial report for the Committee on Discrimination against Women. 89. The delegation of Afghanistan responded to the observations of the Philippines and New Zealand, noting that article 52 of the Constitution stresses the right to health. The Government has the obligation to provide free health care and the Ministry of Health is authorized to ensure medical and preventive measures for public safety. Several strategies and public-private partnerships further this aim. Between 2004 and 2008, approximately 148 policy guidelines, laws, regulations and protocols were developed, applying to different aspects of health. Afghanistan’s achievements in the years following the Taliban’s rule have resulted in reduced mortality rates of children under 5 years of age (from 257 in 2001 to 191 in 2007), the expansion of public service coverage (from 9 per cent in 2001 to 85 per cent in 2007) and expansion of immunization to cover 83 per cent of the population. The Government stressed that the top health priority now is to improve maternal health and reduce maternal mortality. 90. In response to the observation made by Morocco, Afghanistan referred to the water law and the establishment of a programme to provide safe drinking water for 15 million people for 5 years. Concerning people with HIV/AIDS, the delegation indicated that there are 556 cases in the country and the Government has established counselling programs, testing and treatment centres, drop-in programmes, outreach programmes and a strong effort to raise awareness among community and health workers. 91. Various reform processes are under way to improve of performance of the police. Due to 30 years of war and the existence of layers of laws and practices inherited from various regimes, some laws might not conform to international human rights standards. The delegation emphasized that all police officers are expected to respect human rights and follow the rule of law and that the in-service training provided to them at all training centres and schools emphasize these expectations. When a complaint is filed alleging violation of human rights by police officers, the case is referred to the Inspector-General who investigates the charges. If evidence of misconduct is found, penalties are imposed. 92. The Inspector-General reports directly to the Minister of the Interior and has a human rights unit in headquarters and human rights offices in the provinces to ensure proper police conduct across the country. 93. Since March 2008 private security companies are subject to administrative regulations. There are currently 39 legally registered companies regulated under this law. The remaining private security companies are considered illegal armed groups and are being disarmed. A draft law seeking to strengthen regulation of private security forces is being debated in Parliament. 94. The delegation emphasized that the Afghan Constitution prohibits torture under any circumstances. If a court were to discover that an admission were obtained under torture, that