A/HRC/13/4 Constitution, which provides, inter alia, guarantees for equality before the law, prohibits all kinds of discrimination, and provides for protection of the freedom of speech and expression, free movement, rights to form associations, to religion and beliefs, and to property and security. The delegation cited Cambodia’s record of accomplishments in many areas, including remarkable success in economic growth, attributed to democratization and the political stability and security in the country. 8. In the context of international cooperation, the delegation cited its engagement with the United Nations human rights framework, including the Special Representative of the Secretary-General for human rights in Cambodia and OHCHR. The Government has also made efforts, in agreement with the United Nations, to establish the Extraordinary Chambers in the Courts of Cambodia for the prosecution of crimes committed during the period of Democratic Kampuchea. Cambodia is party to human rights and humanitarian law instruments, and has been involved in human rights as a member of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN). As a new party to the Optional Protocol to the Convention against Torture and Other Cruel, Inhuman and Degrading Treatment (OPCAT), the Government had taken a practical step through the establishment of a national preventive mechanism by a sub-decree signed by the Prime Minister. 9. Cambodia cited initiatives with regard to institution-building and legal and judicial reforms. A number of laws and regulations relating to political, economic, social and cultural sectors had been adopted, contributing to the realization of basic human rights, including laws on disability and on the right to demonstrate. Efforts had been launched to combat trafficking in persons and enforce the law in that regard. Laws essential to enhancing the rule of law and democracy were under preparation. Civil society actors were participating actively in the promotion of the socio-economic agenda, democracy and human rights. 10. Cambodia stressed its special emphasis on poverty reduction, citing the Rectangular Strategy for Growth, Employment, Equity and Efficiency and the national strategic development plan for 1996-2010, designed to speed up development, especially in rural areas. A plan of the Cambodian Millennium Development Goals had been established in line with other national strategic documents. The Government had introduced the social security system in the Financial Sector Development Strategy 2006-2015. Despite remarkable progress, the quality, efficiency and delivery of the public service remained a challenge. Economic growth was still too narrow to ensure the enjoyment of all human rights. Despite a big reduction in the poverty rate from 1993 to 2007, rural poverty remained high. 11. In implementing the land law and policies, the Government was focusing on strengthening the system of land management, distribution and use, land ownership, land rights security and eradication of illegal encroachment, and preventing the concentration of unused and unproductive lands. More than 1.6 million land titles had been provided. Efforts were also being made to establish institutional and legal frameworks and mechanisms to address the issue of land reform, including programmes pertaining to the rights of ethnic and minority communities. 12. The delegation stressed that the cross-cutting issue of gender was at the forefront of Cambodia’s political agenda and highlighted Government efforts to promote the status of women through the plan entitled Neary Rattanak (Women as Valuable Gems). Steps had also been taken to tackle violence against women. The second phase of the Gender Mainstreaming Strategy had been launched, aimed at promoting women’s capacitybuilding, enhancing women’s ability to participate in public affairs and eliminating negative perceptions of women. 4