A/HRC/18/18 59. In relation to the Environment Act, it was explained that the Act was currently before the courts and the constitutionality of it was being challenged. 60. On issues regarding trafficking in persons, Papua New Guinea explained that action was being taken to address the issue. Papua New Guinea had been consulting with various countries on the issue. 61. On the issue of corruption, the delegation noted that there was widespread community awareness of the issue and it needed to be addressed. The staff of the Ombudsman Commission, created under the Constitution as a body independent from the Government, were working with the Government to address many of the issues that arose as a result of corruption. It was added that there was a national anti-corruption strategy and that Papua New Guinea had signed the United Nations Convention against Corruption. 62. The call for civil society to be included in the way forward after the UPR consultations was noted and it was reiterated that civil society had been consulted. The delegation noted that, for many issues, it was imperative that all of society and all of Government were involved in consultations. 63. As for questions raised on the increase in the representation of women in Parliament, it was stated that the issue was before Parliament and that it was to be examined that week. The delegation noted, however, that Papua New Guinea had three levels of government and that the provincial and local levels already had mandatory provisions within relevant laws that applied, and that women were serving at those levels of government. 64. The Holy See noted that about 800 tribes with diverse languages and cultural traditions made Papua New Guinea a true mosaic of peaceful coexistence and respect. It congratulated the efforts made to conserve and protect the identity of those groups and to ensure the freedom of religion and expression. It made recommendations. 65. Cuba noted that, despite its wealth of important natural resources, Papua New Guinea faced challenges in areas such as the improvement of infrastructure, education and health services, and standard of living. The situation was made worse by the global financial crisis and the unjust economic order. Cuba highlighted the basic education policy and National Health Plan of Papua New Guinea. It made recommendations. 66. Argentina welcomed the 2010-2050 National Strategic Plan and asked about results achieved to date regarding the advancement of women. It made recommendations. 67. New Zealand was deeply concerned about the extremely high rate of maternal mortality and morbidity, and stated that violence was a serious problem for women and girls in Papua New Guinea. It was also concerned about sexual and physical attacks on women, a lack of accountability for perpetrators of such abuses, possible moves to curtail the powers of the Ombudsman, and inhuman treatment and torture in prisons. It made recommendations. 68. South Africa appreciated that the national report had set out the challenges faced by Papua New Guinea in ensuring the effective enjoyment of all human rights by its population. Those challenges included reporting to treaty bodies and a lack of capacity to fully implement various policies. It encouraged the international community to provide Papua New Guinea with the technical assistance required to overcome those challenges. It made recommendations. 69. Costa Rica noted the call by Papua New Guinea for technical assistance and encouraged the country to make use of all available tools to obtain such assistance. Costa Rica congratulated the country for action taken regarding sexual and domestic violence and for its commitment to ratify the core human rights instruments. It recognized the country’s 10