A/HRC/29/9 domestication of the Protocol on Trafficking in Persons, and urged the international community to provide technical assistance and capacity-building, in, amongst areas, the setting up the National Human Rights Commission. 64. Senegal congratulated Lesotho for several initiatives to promote human rights, notably the adoption of the Law for the protection and well-being of children, and the design of a national policy on persons with disabilities and of an action plan against human trafficking. It called on the international community to provide technical assistance to Lesotho. 65. Sierra Leone commended the children’s court, special measures on political participation of women, progress in providing free, gender-balanced education and ongoing efforts aimed at reducing the spread of HIV/AIDS, and noted that a sustainable natural disaster risk reduction strategy was crucial for economic development. It was also concerned about capacity gaps in the health sectors and encouraged international support for the development of a sound health system as well as legislation prohibiting discrimination against women. 66. Singapore noted the emphasis on raising socio-economic standards and took positive note of the National Strategic Development Plan. It further noted the efforts to fight HIV/AIDS, including through prevention, care and treatment; as well as to improve service delivery by rolling out services and resources in rural areas. 67. Slovenia welcomed the Children’s Protection and Welfare Act and the increase in the age of criminal responsibility, improved water supply and sanitation, high levels of investment in education, measures taken to combat the spread of HIV, the National Action Plan to end Gender Based Violence, and measures to promote gender equality. It was concerned at discriminatory practices entrenched in customs, beliefs and traditions. 68. South Africa commended the signature and ratification of most of the international and regional human rights instruments. It reaffirmed its continued support of SADC efforts in the promotion of peace and security and encouraged the continuation of all efforts towards the promotion, protection and fulfilment of all human rights, including the right to development. 69. The delegation stated that there were plans to resuscitate the National AIDS Commission. There was a Government policy paper on the protection of children in rural areas, especially herd boys, which included ensuring that they received an education. Allegations of excessive use of force by the security forces, over the previous few months, were being investigated with the assistance of SADC. On completion of the investigation, the perpetrators would be accountable under the law. 70. The delegation recalled its earlier comments with regard to the establishment of a national human rights institution and emphasized that the relevant bill would be before the 9th Parliament for promulgation into law. On the issue of the death penalty, the delegation reiterated that the death penalty had not been carried out since 1995. 71. With regard to the reservation to article 2 of CEDAW, the delegation stated that Lesotho was moving step by step towards lifting the reservation. The delegation explained that Lesotho was bound by her traditions, which were what developed a nation. To take people away from those traditions was not easy and involved much dialogue, in which the Government was engaged, especially on the issue of chieftainship of women. Discussions were taking place with the objective of reviewing the Constitution and relevant law. 72. On the matter of corruption, active measures had been taken by the Government to strengthen the anti-corruption institution. High-profile figures were being brought to justice to show the seriousness of government in stopping corruption. The delegation stated that the Government was working hard to reduce infant and maternal mortality and provided 10