A/HRC/12/9 Page 9 50. Austria made a number of recommendations in relation to: the impact of conflict on civilians; discrimination against women; and administration of justice. Austria welcomed the introduction of the juvenile criminal code in 2005 and asked about concrete measures to improve its implementation. 51. Brazil commended the increase in school attendance, especially with regard to the access of girls to education, and the widening of the school curriculum. It asked for further information on the role that international cooperation could play in the improvement of health indicators. Brazil made a number of recommendations. 52. The United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland welcomed Afghanistan's commitment to improving human rights and acknowledgement of the challenges, including violations by rule of law institutions, lack of equality and due process in the judicial system. It welcomed Afghanistan's decision to review the Law on the Personal Status of Followers of Shia Jurisprudence. It also welcomed improvements in the situation for women and girls, but noted ongoing discrimination. It also noted concerns about intimidation of journalists and asked what Afghanistan was doing to ensure a free press. The United Kingdom made 4 recommendations. 53. Turkey shared the view that the state of insecurity remains the main obstacle to the enjoyment of human rights. It stressed that utmost care must be taken to protect civilians and ensure tangible improvement of the living conditions of the Afghan people. Turkey made a recommendation to Afghanistan. Lastly, Turkey stressed that it will contribute to ensuring a secure environment for the upcoming Presidential and Provincial Council elections. 54. Pakistan indicated that Afghanistan’s commitment to human rights is demonstrated by its very candid and frank national report. It noted that insecurity and armed conflict limit access to basic services, including education, and asked about the measures envisaged to overcome this problem. It said that Pakistan has extended financial and material assistance to Afghanistan and is contributing to the reconstruction of that country. Pakistan made a recommendation. 55. Palestine referred to the considerable developments in Afghanistan including the adoption of a new Constitution, the development of the political system, the reform of the judiciary, the increasing levels of education provided to children and the creation of the Ministry of Women’s Affairs. Palestine made a recommendation to Afghanistan. It believed that the recommendations contained in the national report are extremely important. 56. Australia expressed concern about the recent announcement of the Shia Personal Status Law but welcomed the announcement of the President that the draft law will be reviewed and amended. Australia made a number of recommendations.. 57. New Zealand expressed concerns about the rights of women, particularly the Shia Personal Status Law. It made a number of recommendations on: reviewing laws, reducing maternal mortality and the use of the death penalty. 58. Tunisia noted with satisfaction the efforts in the area of gender equality, the consecration of the principle of equality before the law between women and men in the Constitution, the creation of the Ministry of Women’s Affairs and the accession to CEDAW. It made a recommendation. 59. Iceland noted that Afghanistan’s first periodic report on its implementation of CEDAW was several years overdue. Iceland made a recommendation.