A/HRC/29/9
bodies, and activities undertaken to incorporate CEDAW into the domestic legal system. It
welcomed the ratification of ICPPED.
54.
Morocco welcomed the ratification of ICPPED and the launch of the action plan
against trafficking in persons. It commended Lesotho for its efforts in the area of education.
Morocco encouraged consolidation of efforts in the areas of judicial reform and the fight
against corruption.
55.
Mozambique commended Lesotho for adopting the National Disability and
Rehabilitation Policy in 2011. It noted that Lesotho was on track to achieve the goals on
universal primary education and gender equality and women’s empowerment. It welcomed
the National Identity Cards Act of 2011, which gave women the right to apply for an
identity card without their husband’s authorization.
56.
Namibia commended Lesotho on efforts made to implement the recommendations,
from the first review, despite several challenges. It appreciated the passing of the Children’s
Protection and Welfare Act, 2011, which was aimed at the enhancement, promotion,
protection and realization of the rights and welfare of children. Namibia commended the
continued progress made to reduce poverty, particularly though social grants to the elderly
and orphans and vulnerable children.
57.
The Netherlands commended Lesotho for the enactment of the Children’s Protection
and Welfare Act, 2011 and appreciated the efforts taken to protect children in vulnerable
circumstances. It remained concerned about domestic violence against women and violence
committed by an intimate partner, as well as the absence of a specific prohibition of
discrimination against women in domestic law.
58.
New Zealand welcomed the efforts to ensure free and fair elections in February 2015
and was pleased to work with Lesotho and to share experiences in that regard. It
commended progress regarding representation of women in the political sphere and
welcomed the commitment to greater transparency and accountability through the fight
against corruption.
59.
The Niger commended progress since the first review on, inter alia, the creation of
the National Human Rights Commission, the adoption of laws for the protection and wellbeing of children and to combat human trafficking, and the implementation of a National
Action Plan to combat violence against women. It encouraged Lesotho to reach the
objectives of its National Strategic Development Plan.
60.
The Philippines lauded the progress made by Lesotho despite the resource and
capacity constraints, most notably the enactment of the Anti-Trafficking in Persons Act and
the Children’s Protection and Welfare Act, 2011. It recognized the need for stronger
partnerships to further strengthen the implementation of policies, particularly in the
realization of socio-economic rights.
61.
Portugal noted that Lesotho had one of the highest literacy rates in sub-Saharan
Africa, and that the country was on track to achieving Millennium Development Goal 2
concerning primary education. Portugal was concerned about the disadvantaged situation of
girls in accessing education, as well as reports on sexual violence and abuses committed in
schools.
62.
The Russian Federation took positive note of the implementation of international
legal instruments. It commended Lesotho for the adoption of national legislation aimed at
improving the human rights situation.
63.
Rwanda congratulated Lesotho for initiatives aimed at addressing poverty reduction
and ensuring economic development, commended the establishment of a National Strategic
Development Plan, the improvement of the water supply and sanitation, and the
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