A/HRC/8/22 Page 9 about Morocco’s long-term commitments to gender equality and how international human rights mechanisms will help to achieve them. 43. Mauritania welcomed the steps taken by Morocco to promote and protect human rights, and noted the reform of the Family Code, the press code and the establishment of the IER, which was a first for the Arab-Muslim world. 44. Brazil recognized the progress made regarding equality and discrimination of women, children, civil liberties and right to a fair trial. It expressed concern at the implementation and results of measures taken, specifically with regard to gender equality. It asked how Morocco assessed the results of its initiatives meant to ensure women’s rights, and welcomed Morocco’s ratification of CEDAW. 45. Italy expressed satisfaction that Morocco has, since 1994, maintained a de facto moratorium on the death penalty. 46. India was impressed with the initiatives undertaken by Morocco to protect and promote human rights. It noted Morocco’s design of a national strategy and plan of action for human rights education. Also noting the addition of the Office of the Ombudsman, responsible for the consideration of cases of human rights violations, to the CCDH, India asked how the Ombudsman’s mandate differs from that of the CCDH. It highlighted the success of Morocco’s initiatives aimed at increasing the presence of women in politics and asked which legislative changes and aspects of the voluntary quota system made this possible. 47. The United Kingdom highlighted the new Family Code, changes to the Nationality Code, which both carry improvements to the legal protection of women, and the legislative elections open to international observers. It recommended that Morocco set a date to sign and adopt the Optional Protocol to CAT. The United Kingdom was concerned about issues of censorship, restrictions of the media, and the prosecution of prominent journalists and asked what steps Morocco is taking to ensure freedom of expression and speech, especially for media personnel. Prison conditions are also an issue for the United Kingdom, noting that the Moroccan Prison Observers reported extreme overcrowding and poor sanitary conditions. The United Kingdom encouraged Morocco to continue its efforts to improve these conditions and is interested in further initiatives planned in this area. 48. The United Arab Emirates noted that Morocco attaches importance to international treaty mechanisms and cooperation with treaty bodies. It thanked Morocco for its efforts to improve the circumstances and provide a better standard of living for women and children. It is convinced that Morocco is on the right track for the promotion and protection of human rights, and noting that the INDH, resulting from commitments to the United Nations, is a good example, asked for more information about it. 49. In response to various questions, Morocco provided the following answers. Regarding collective reparation, programmes adopted on the basis of a rights-based and participatory approach, taking into account a gender perspective, have been set up and implemented with the participation of all stakeholders. Budget resources are allocated for these programmes, including several projects to combat poverty, with a participative approach. The delegation also gave information and explanations on the INDH. It also gave information about promoting adequate housing rights. Concerning the freedom of the press, Morocco referred to the Constitution and the press code which regulates this freedom. The press code is now under review with the participation of all stakeholders. Journalists are not prosecuted for expressing their opinions but for committing crimes, such as defamation; and there is no censorship in Morocco. As regards the family, there are special courts for family affairs. The Family Code is evaluated annually, at the anniversary of its