A/HRC/18/18 42. Papua New Guinea then provided information on action taken regarding HIV/AIDS, explaining that the stigmatization of persons with the disease had been criminalized nearly a decade ago. It was added that in recent times there had been a slight drop in the rates of HIV/AIDS as a result of awareness-raising and the provision of antiretroviral medication to persons with HIV. 43. On sorcery, Papua New Guinea acknowledged that it had been a major issue but reiterated that the country’s great diversity was a challenge and called on the international community to assist the country to address that reality. It recalled that the legislation concerning the matter was currently under review, and provided details of the process, which was being conducted by the Constitutional and Law Reform Commission. 44. Regarding questions on education, it was highlighted that the issue was also being addressed and that the economic projects described should have a positive impact in that area. It was explained that one of the issues that should be kept in mind was that 400 of the 800 languages that existed in the country were used in the elementary schools. 45. Morocco welcomed the ambitious vision of the Government for the country’s development over a period of 40 years. It asked for more information on the project, notably the necessary budget, as well as on possible assistance that could be accorded from the international community. Morocco reiterated its appeal to the international community to provide Papua New Guinea with all necessary assistance in order to face its challenges and ultimately guarantee the full realization of human rights. Morocco made a recommendation. 46. Japan expressed concern at the proliferation of domestic and sexual violence against women and children as well as human trafficking and forced labour, while it took positive note of the adoption of the National Strategic Plan 2010-2050 on women and gender development. It also noted the launch of a national disability policy based on CRPD. Japan made recommendations. 47. The Republic of Korea expressed the belief that the ratification of CRPD should follow the adoption of recent measures such as the 2009 National Policy on Disability and the National Advisory Committee on Disability. It commended the Government for undertaking initiatives for the promotion of human rights in spite of environmental threats. It made recommendations. 48. Poland appreciated the adoption of numerous policies, plans and programmes in the framework of the National Strategic Plan – Papua New Guinea Vision 2050, although it noted with concern that human rights infrastructures and legislation were not yet fully developed. Poland was concerned at the persistence of harmful practices affecting women and girls and insufficient anti-discriminatory legislation. Poland made recommendations. 49. France noted with satisfaction that the death penalty had not been applied in Papua New Guinea since 1954. It highlighted that the Special Rapporteur on the question of torture had noted grave dysfunctions in the penitentiary system in May 2010. It asked about progress made in establishing a national human rights institution and shared the concerns expressed by the Committee on the Elimination of Discrimination against Women on the persistence of discrimination against women. It made recommendations. 50. Norway welcomed the recent commitment by Papua New Guinea to halt deforestation, a step that would help protect the indigenous habitat and ecosystem, but it was concerned at reports that the 2010 amendment to the Environment Act undermined the rights of indigenous communities regarding their customary lands. Norway wished to see reports on measures taken by the Government to fight sexual abuse. Norway made recommendations. 8