A/HRC/8/29 Page 10 54. The United Arab Emirates welcomed the efforts made in the fields of health, education and the reduction of poverty, and invited Algeria to describe these efforts more closely. 55. Belgium welcomed Algeria’s initiatives in regard to the protection of rights of children and women. Belgium requested information on the methodology followed to consult with civil society on the preparation of the national report, whether it was inclusive, and details on criteria applied in case of selection. Belgium also expressed regret concerning the deteriorating situation of the freedom of religion and belief and referred to the controversial 2006 Ordinance determining the conditions and rules for the exercise of religions other than Islam. Belgium requested information regarding the motives behind these legislative and judicial measures and recommended that Algeria respect freedom of religion and belief, revise the text of the 2006 Ordinance, and suspend its application in the meantime. 56. Slovenia asked the following questions which could lead to recommendations: what steps Algeria was taking to establish a legal framework to prevent and protect children from being trafficked for sexual and other exploitation, and to define ‘trafficking’ as a special criminal offence under domestic law; what has been done to integrate a gender perspective during consultations and in the national report, including in the outcome of and follow-up to the review; what steps were taken towards the withdrawal of Algeria’s reservations to articles 2 and 16 of CEDAW, which Slovenia considered contrary to the object and purpose of the Convention. 57. Iraq noted that Algeria has signed and ratified most international human rights instruments, and that it has made great progress regarding the balance between fighting violence and protecting human rights. It asked whether Algeria could provide more information about national mechanisms which maintain and preserve human rights and further asked about the role of national reconciliation in containing waves of violence. 58. South Africa highlighted Algeria’s Charter on Peace and National Reconciliation aimed at national reconciliation, healing and peace within the society, as well as providing compensation to victims of past suffering. It asked for further information on measures that have been implemented to eradicate poverty in the context of achieving the MDGs by 2015, and on programmes aimed at addressing issues of unemployment and progress achieved since the implementation of such measures. 59. Cameroon noted Algeria’s contribution to the voluntary funds, as well as the moratorium on the death penalty. Cameroon noted that efforts made by Algeria would be even more evident if cooperation with human rights mechanisms was more fluid, and requested information on further measures to be adopted. 60. Sweden asked the following questions, which might also be used as recommendations. Regarding reports of torture and other ill-treatment in places of detention, what active measures Algeria was taking for its prevention; and what legal measures were under consideration in regard to violence against women, especially concerning the criminalization of domestic violence. 61. Latvia noted Algeria’s cooperation with special procedures and noted that Algeria has invited and received a number of mandate-holders in recent years. Latvia enquired if Algeria would consider extending a standing invitation. 62. Brazil asked how Algeria assessed the implementation of civil and political rights, especially the freedom of expression and religion, and what concrete measures were implemented to ensure the social and political advancement of women. Brazil recommended to Algeria to consider facilitating visits of special procedures of the human rights system.