A/HRC/10/69 Page 9 46. Regarding corporal punishment, Botswana reaffirmed that the practice is part of their culture and that parents believe that it is important as a form of correction. 47. Botswana indicated that there is freedom of the press in the country although it is not absolute, given that there are regulations to be respected by the media in the performance of their functions. It noted that the media practitioners’ bill is currently before Parliament. 48. Botswana expressed its willingness to ratify the Optional Protocol to the Convention against Torture, but reiterated, as a priority, its need to identify the challenges it will face with regard to the establishment of a new human rights institution. 49. Slovakia noted with appreciation the establishment of the Inter-Ministerial Committee on Treaties, Conventions and Protocols, asking for more information. It encouraged the Government to consider signing and ratifying the International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights and cooperating with the OHCHR Regional Office for Southern Africa in this regard, while taking note of the explanation given by Botswana, but recalling that, according to the Covenant, State parties take steps only to the maximum of their available resources. It echoed the recommendation of the Committee on Civil and Political Rights, suggesting that Botswana repeal provisions on the criminalization of same-sex activities between consenting adults from its legislation. 50. The Czech Republic recommended the continuation of efforts to establish a comprehensive institutional framework for the promotion and protection of human rights, including by providing it with necessary funding and personnel, and that its efforts to ensure non-discrimination of all ethnic minorities also be continued. It welcomed the decision to adopt national legislation ensuring implementation of its obligations under the Convention on the Rights of the Child and recommended the adoption of further practical measures in this regard, in particular in the area of the prevention of violence and sexual exploitation of children. It also recommended that Botswana accede to the Option Protocol to the Convention against Torture and establish its national preventive mechanism accordingly. It recommended that consensual same-sex activity between adults be decriminalized and that measures to promote tolerance in this regard, which would also allow more effective educational programmes for prevention of HIV/AIDS, be taken. It recommended that a standing invitation be issued to representatives of the special procedures and implemented. 51. Germany indicated that the Government could play a leadership role in educating people. Germany recommended that the Government of Botswana amend the definition of discrimination in the Constitution in such a way that it covers discrimination based on descent, abolish those laws that permit discrimination on the basis of ethnicity, language and culture. 52. Turkey commended the establishment of the Directorate of Corruption and Economic Crime, and appreciated the Government’s economic policies, encouraging the activities of the authorities in combating unemployment. It welcomed the adoption of the National Action Plan for Children 2006-2016 and the finalization of an action programme for the elimination of child labour, requesting information on the challenges met in their implementation, and recommending that the Government fully adhere to them with a view to reach international standards on the prevention of child labour. It recommended that a timeline for the ratification of the International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights be defined.