A/HRC/11/20 Page 16 85. Brazil commended the promulgation of the Gender Equality Act and Azerbaijan’s efforts towards the attainment of the MDGs. Brazil asked Azerbaijan to further elaborate on the measures taken to combat and punish domestic violence against women. Brazil encouraged Azerbaijan to accomplish progressively human rights goals as set up by HRC Resolution 9/12. Within that context Brazil recommended continuing efforts to further strengthen institutional and policy frameworks in the area of promotion and protection of human rights. Brazil also recommended that Azerbaijan take necessary measures aimed at prohibiting all forms of corporal punishment against children. 86. Palestine noted that Azerbaijan’s approach constitutes a model in terms of promoting human rights despite existing obstacles such as the situation of refugees, displaced persons and economic difficulties. Palestine emphasised that Azerbaijan had been the first Muslim country to recognise the right of women to vote. Palestine recommended that Azerbaijan continue to take the necessary measures to increase transparency in local and national institutions and to optimise the country’s potential. 87. Ireland welcomed the implementation of certain recommendations during the visit by the Special Rapporteur on the promotion and protection of freedom of opinion and expression in 2007. However, a number of journalists remain in prison which is of grave concern and Ireland asked, inter alia, what steps are taken to ensure the release of those journalists. Ireland recommended that the Government puts in place further measures a) to ensure respect for freedom of expression and of the media; b) to ensure that cases of alleged violence against, and wrongful imprisonment of members of the media are fully investigated; and c) to ensure that the Law of Libel is not utilised in such a manner as to stifle honest and professional reporting. Ireland recommended that the Law on Television and Radio broadcasting is amended as soon as possible to ensure that the licenses of international broadcasters can be renewed. 88. Argentina called for the possibility for ratifying CDP. Argentina recommended that Azerbaijan implement active policies and awareness campaigns in order to overcome the situation of discrimination against women. Argentina also recommended Azerbaijan to step up its social integration policies and education programmes to eradicate the current situation of children living on the street who are victims of sexual exploitation and physical abuse. 89. The Philippines inquired as to the main obstacles faced in implementing the national law and action plan against human trafficking and as to the measures it is taking to address high rates of maternal mortality. The Philippines recommended that Azerbaijan continue efforts to eradicate poverty, paying special attention to the situation of street children and children with disabilities. The Philippines also recommended that Azerbaijan share best practices in promoting religious tolerance and harmony in society. 90. India appreciated efforts to reduce poverty and strengthen human rights, including those of its ethnic minorities and IDPs. India asked about Azerbaijan’s specific laws on gender equality and other efforts to impart greater awareness about gender sensitivity. Concern has also been expressed about the decline in education standards and school enrolment rates. India requested information on progress in reforming the judiciary and measures adopted to tackle human trafficking. 91. In response to statements made, Azerbaijan noted that defamation and discrimination is a legal and social matter of a developing democracy. Individuals brought to courts in relation to this legislation are very rarely handled through criminal courts. Azerbaijan endeavours to