A/HRC/16/3 a committee to ensure the implementation of the CEDAW recommendations, including a recommendation that the Ministry of Internal Affairs desist from issuing permits to practitioners. Liberia was engaging all segments of society in inclusive and constructive nationwide dialogues to determine the extent and the forms of harmful traditional practices, and those dialogues would form the basis for programme planning in the eradication of female genital mutilation. 51. In 2008, following a string of armed robberies that threatened to shatter the fragile peace in Liberia, the Armed Robbery Act, including a provision allowing for the death penalty, was adopted. Liberia had previously indicated that the Act would be revisited as soon as security concerns had been addressed. Liberia indicated that, despite other laws allowing for the death penalty, it had not carried out the penalty since 1980 and that, under the Constitution, the President had the authority and the prerogative to commute such sentences. The delegation strongly affirmed that, despite concerns regarding the Act, Liberia remained committed to honouring its regional and international human rights obligations. In that regard, it reaffirmed the importance of the work being done by the Law Reform Commission. Liberia needed to determine the full extent of its human rights obligations and to inform legislative staff, when drafting bills, about the observance of human rights and relevant international conventions and protocols. 52. Liberia indicated that the Truth and Reconciliation Commission task force was discussing the implementation of the Palava Hut mechanism, which was crucial to peace and reconciliation. The task force was developing the legal and structural frameworks for the mechanism, which would require mediation and alternative dispute resolution training. 53. Liberia remained committed to bringing to justice individuals who had committed egregious human rights violations; however, the issue of establishing an extraordinary criminal tribunal remained a challenge. Liberia stated that, owing to financial constraints, the final report of the Commission had yet to be broadly distributed and explained to the average citizen, and thus that any discussion regarding the establishment of an extraordinary criminal court might prove to be premature. Given the realities of the Liberian conflict and recent security challenges in various parts of the country, the immediate priorities of Liberia remained establishing lasting peace and security, addressing the immediate needs of citizens, and creating an environment conducive to a peaceful dialogue. From the reaction of Liberians to the Commission process, and lessons learned from the truth and reconciliation processes of other countries, it seemed apparent that the process would ultimately be driven by the Liberian people. 54. The Republic of Korea expressed appreciation for measures to advance the protection of the rights of women and children, who had been the main victims of the civil conflict. It also welcomed the adoption of the Rape Law and the establishment of a Special Court for Rape and Other Forms of Violence. It expressed concern at the weak judiciary and the low confidence in the criminal justice system, which had led complainants to seek the customary justice system, including trials by ordeal. It made recommendations. 55. The Czech Republic welcomed Liberia’s willingness to tackle problematic issues. It encouraged the country to bring to justice those responsible for serious crimes against international law committed during the armed conflict. It expressed appreciation for the establishment of a Judicial Training Institute. The Czech Republic made recommendations. 56. The United States of America welcomed the adoption of Liberia’s Freedom of Information Act, noting that it was the first West African nation to adopt such a law. It also welcomed the introduction of the “Decent Work Bill”, aimed at improving the enjoyment of workers’ rights. It expressed concern at the high levels of sexual violence. It also noted the prevalence of female genital mutilation, in particular in rural areas, as well as 10