A/HRC/10/69 Page 10 53. Brazil, recognizing the challenges of a multicultural society, requested additional comments on how Botswana is tackling discrimination, particularly based on descent and ethnic origin. It also noted that the General Assembly, in its resolution 62/149, calls upon States to establish a moratorium on executions with a view to abolishing the death penalty and asked about the steps taken towards progressive restriction of its use. It also asked about the establishment of an independent national human rights institution and if there are any expectations with regard to international cooperation. In a constructive and open spirit, Brazil indicated it saw the opportunity to propose to the Government of Botswana that it consider the possibility of acceding to the International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights. It would also welcome the efforts to suppress death sentences and measures to prevent corporal punishment. Brazil encouraged the Government of Botswana to accomplish progressively the human rights goals set by the Human Rights Council in its resolution 9/12. Brazil took note of Botswana’s expectations in the areas of national capacity-building on treaty body reporting, on human rights education and training, support capacity of components of national statistical system and the strengthening of the system to monitor development. Considering the emphasis of the universal periodic review on enhancing cooperation in the field of human rights, it invited the delegations that are materially capable to positively consider assisting the Government of Botswana in these endeavours. 54. Slovenia recalled general comment No.8 of the Committee on the Rights of the Child on the prohibition of corporal punishment of children and the study of the Secretary-General on violence against children, in which the universal prohibition of corporal punishment for children by 2009 was recommended. Slovenia recommended that consideration be given to changing legislation to expressly prohibit all forms of corporal punishment in all settings: at home, in schools and in other institutions. Slovenia also recommended that efforts be made to raise the awareness of the public and change their attitude to corporal punishment. Slovenia noted the concern of the Human Rights Committee about prison overcrowding, the large number of people held on remand and the limited access of families to people held in custody. Slovenia enquired about how the best interests of the child are considered when a parent is arrested and sentenced. Slovenia recommended that Botswana develop non-custodial alternatives such as community service orders and bail arrangements, and particularly recommended implementation of those in relation to the sole or primary carers of children. Slovenia further recommended that Botswana take measures to protect the best interests of babies and children affected by parental detention or imprisonment. It asked how gender perspectives are included in preparation for the universal periodic review and recommended that a gender perspective be included in the review follow-up process in a systematic and continuous manner. 55. Sweden recommended that the Government pursue efforts to ensure the full implementation of the Convention on the Rights of the Child, and specifically to continue efforts to eliminate corporal punishment, especially in schools. It recommended that the Government continue efforts to promote gender equality and pursue work on the new legislation on marital rape, and bring forward new legislation as a matter of priority. Concerning the application of the new norms, it recommended that the Government consider additional measures, such as public awareness-raising initiatives or campaigns in order to promote the implementation of the rights in the legislation in question. 56. The Sudan asked the international community to provide the Government with technical assistance in the areas mentioned in the national report.