A/HRC/29/9 information on the village health workers programme in that regard. With regard to persons with disabilities, the delegation informed the Working Group of the policy that was in place to protect the rights of such persons, which would eventually be approved by an act of Parliament. 73. The delegation stated that no lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and intersex persons had been prosecuted and emphasized that the matter was sensitive in the culture and society in Lesotho. The Government was engaged in dialogue on the issue with a view to reaching consensus. 74. A disaster risk management programme was in place, under which there was a health and nutrition committee, comprising various stakeholders, including government ministries, development partners and non-governmental organizations. There were also district and village disaster management teams. 75. Steps had been taken to reduce poverty through employment. A job summit had been held in August 2014, with the aim of adopting a working programme on the development of agriculture, tourism and other means of creating employment. The Government was committed to creating about 10,000 jobs per year. 76. Spain congratulated Lesotho on progress made, with the legalization in 2012 of homosexual relations. It noted the need to depoliticize public services and the armed forces, and to create institutions to safeguard human rights. 77. The Sudan commended Lesotho for its adoption of legislation and policy on human rights, particularly the Anti-Trafficking in Persons Act and the Communication Act, as well as for the adoption of the National Strategic Development Plan 2013–2016, the National Anti-Trafficking in Persons Strategic Framework and Action Plan 2014–2016 and the National Action Plan on Women, Girls and HIV/AIDS. 78. Sweden noted the political stalemate in Parliament and the resolving of Parliament. It noted the attempted coup d’état, the involvement of SADC and the Maseru Facilitation Declaration, which stipulated that elections should take in February 2015. Sweden also noted the Maseru Security Accord. 79. Thailand congratulated Lesotho for ratifying ICPPED and for its engagement with international organizations and stakeholders to protect human rights. It welcomed the transformation of the Department of Social Welfare into the Ministry of Social Development, with a focus on protecting vulnerable groups. It encouraged Lesotho to continue working towards achieving universal primary education. It expressed concern about the HIV epidemic and encouraged Lesotho to redouble its efforts to prevent the spread of HIV infections. 80. Timor Leste noted the positive steps taken to promote and protect human rights. It highlighted the enactment of the Anti-Trafficking in Persons Act, the Children’s Protection and Welfare Act and the adoption of the Education Act, providing for free and compulsory primary education. It commended the implementation of the Child Grants Programme, leading to an increase in school enrolment rates and a decrease in child labour. 81. Togo commended initiatives by Lesotho to reduce poverty, ensure economic development and provide free access to health care. It encouraged Lesotho to put the National Human Rights Commission in place. 82. Trinidad and Tobago highlighted the advancement in human rights. It noted that Lesotho was plagued with domestic challenges, including poverty and food security, climate change and a high rate of HIV/AIDS. The geographical terrain of Lesotho was also a barrier to providing essential goods and services. 11

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