A/HRC/18/18 17. Papua New Guinea added that the greatest challenge would be the translation of that economic growth into tangible benefits to address the development challenges facing the country, such as the improvement of vital infrastructure networks, the provision of basic education and health services and the improvement of the standard of living for the majority of the population. 18. It was acknowledged that socio-economic development had not been impressive, as demonstrated by the high illiteracy rate, the lack of basic education, health services and infrastructure, and increased lawlessness. Additionally, the country was far behind in its human development indicators, ranking 145th of 177 countries (in the human development index published in 2008). The scenario posed significant challenges to the country’s ability to achieve the Millennium Development Goals by 2015. 19. Papua New Guinea stated that, in its efforts to address those and other challenges, it had undertaken important initiatives such as, among others, the establishment of the Papua New Guinea human rights commission, the establishment of the Law and Justice Sector Program, the National Land Development Program and the National Policy on Disability. It was added that those important initiatives required support and assistance through partnerships with the international community. 20. Finally, the delegation of Papua New Guinea declared that it was prepared to engage in frank and open discussions on the human rights situation in the country. The hope was expressed that, through the interactive dialogue, constructive ideas could be discussed on how to address human rights challenges facing the country. B. Interactive dialogue and responses by the State under review 21. During the interactive dialogue, 36 delegations made statements. The delegation of Papua New Guinea was thanked for its frank presentation of the report, for its responses to questions and for the country’s constructive engagement in the universal periodic review process. Recommendations made during the dialogue are to be found in section II of the present report. 22. Australia commended Papua New Guinea for its efforts to strengthen the rule of law and justice institutions and for its progress towards attaining greater gender equality in the justice system and access to justice. It noted the success of the “Let’s Look Out for Moresby” programme and encouraged Papua New Guinea to address the concerns of the Special Rapporteur on the question of torture following his visit. It made recommendations. 23. Switzerland praised the efforts of Papua New Guinea to bridge certain legislative gaps in the field of human rights protection and encouraged it to continue those initiatives. It expressed concern over the situation of women and the excessive use of force by security forces, notably cases of torture. It highlighted that the last execution had taken place in 1954. Switzerland made recommendations. 24. Indonesia fully supported the efforts of Papua New Guinea to raise the standard of living of its population. It encouraged the Government to ensure that the stipulations of the conventions to which Papua New Guinea was a party were fully incorporated into domestic law. Indonesia encouraged the country’s efforts to ensure that women and girls who were victims of violence had access to immediate and effective means of redress and protection. Indonesia made recommendations. 25. Nicaragua welcomed the transparency of Papua New Guinea in preparing the national report. It noted the long-term vision of plans and policies for development and poverty alleviation, particularly regarding the participation of women and the reintegration of detainees into society. It invited Papua New Guinea to take advantage of the 5