A/HRC/21/11 104. Italy welcomed the progress of Brazil in achieving the Millennium Development Goals. It asked about measures to prevent violence in detention centres for juvenile offenders; requested information on the assessment of the 2011 Law on Precautionary Measures; and on the human rights indicators system launched with OHCHR. It made a recommendation. 105. Japan welcomed the efforts made by Brazil with regard to gender equality, particularly the participation of women in policymaking. It voiced concern over continuing issues of prison overcrowding and violence. Japan made recommendations. 106. Lebanon took positive note of the undiminished commitment of Brazil to respect for and protection of human rights. It requested information on the implementation challenges of the Optional Protocol to the Convention against Torture. Lebanon made one recommendation. 107. Malaysia noted efforts to strengthen the legislative and institutional human rights framework, particularly to improve its national human rights programme. It congratulated Brazil for strengthening its legislative and institutional framework, combating poverty and reducing inequality and discrimination. Malaysia made recommendations. 108. Ms. Nunes highlighted the recognition of same-sex stable unions as family units by the Supreme Federal Court and the National Plan for Promotion of LGBT Citizenship and Human Rights. The Minister, while reaffirming the commitment of Brazil to combating homophobic crimes and violence, acknowledged that the challenges are still significant. 109. The Minister considered positively the establishment of a National Human Rights Institution and mentioned that a congressional bill to adapt the National Council on the Rights of the Human Being to the Paris Principles is under discussion. At the same time, Brazil already has in place various National Councils on specific human rights issues with the participation of civil society. 110. In response to comments on poverty eradication, Ms. Nunes explained the initiative “Brasil Carinhoso” (“Caring Brazil”), established within the “Brazil Without Extreme Poverty” Programme, aimed at providing benefits for children up to six years old. This will reach 2 million Brazilians, extending “Bolsa família”, day-care services, health services and distribution of free medicines to them, among other benefits. 111. In connection with this, the Minister stressed that protecting children and their right to live with their families is a priority. She informed the Council that more than 5 million children and adolescents have been rescued from child labour and that in 2013, Brazil will host the Third Conference on Combating Child Labour and the Worst Forms of Child Labour. She stressed that Brazil will not tolerate sexual exploitation of children and adolescents. 112. Following up on her contribution, Ms. Nunes put forward President Rousseff’s personal commitment with the Plan of Action “Living without Limits”. The Plan draws its inspiration from the Convention on the Rights of People with Disabilities, which has constitutional status in Brazil. As she explained, the budget for the plan is 3.25 billion dollars and it includes actions on health, work and social inclusion. A public presentation of the results is given every six months. 113. Regarding the rights of older persons, Ms. Nunes mentioned the demographic changes in Brazil, to which the country must adapt with health policies, especially for older women, prevention of violence, and social security. She highlighted the National Plan and the National Council on the Rights of Older Persons, the holding of the National Conference in 2011, and the Statute of Older Persons. She also mentioned the social security programmes to ensure minimum income for all older persons in Brazil. 13