A/HRC/21/16 challenges in attaining the health-related MDGs. It saluted the international leadership role of South Africa in combating racism. Morocco made recommendations. 49. Mozambique acknowledged steps towards the materialization of constitutional dispositions and international commitments. It praised the key role South Africa held in building strong regional partnerships and introducing regional programmes with relevant United Nations agencies, and welcomed the establishment of the South Africa Development Partnership Agency. Mozambique made a recommendation. 50. Namibia praised South Africa for its programmes to alleviate poverty, including the establishment of a social protection system, its action plan on education and the soon-to-be established national development partnership agency, all of which were important to help achieve the MDGs. Namibia made recommendations. 51. The Netherlands commended South Africa for its leading role in the Human Rights Council, notably in different areas of anti-discrimination. It welcomed its commitment to partnerships with civil society and a national dialogue in the preparation of the national report. The Netherlands made recommendations. 52. New Zealand enquired about increasing maternal mortality and morbidity and plans to address them. It also asked what steps would be taken to deal with sexual violence, especially against lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) persons. It requested an update on the Combating of Torture Bill and on plans to ratify the Optional Protocol to the Convention against Torture and other Cruel, Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment (OP-CAT). New Zealand made recommendations. 53. Nicaragua noted measures adopted by South Africa to foster human development and economic growth in order to eradicate poverty by 2030. It applauded the reestablishment of an institution specialized in addressing domestic violence, child protection and sexual crimes. Nicaragua made recommendations. 54. Norway supported the leadership shown by South Africa in combating violence and discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity. It expressed concern about the Protection of State Information Bill. It welcomed new national institutions, particularly to address violence against women. Norway made recommendations. 55. Pakistan welcomed the role of South Africa in the international response to racism and intolerance. Pakistan requested further information on the ―Green paper on families‖ aimed at promoting family life. It commended ongoing efforts to adopt pro-development measures, but noted the historical injustices of colonialism and apartheid reflected in marginalization and social exclusion. Pakistan made a recommendation. 56. Palestine noted the priorities for 2009–2014 in the areas of job creation, health, education, combating corruption and crime, land reform and rural development, as well as food security. Palestine noted the challenges in providing quality education for all. Palestine made recommendations. 57. Paraguay, as a bilingual country, welcomed the draft bill on national languages. It noted the efforts by South Africa to improve the situation of foreigners detained in the Lindela Repatriation Centre and to prevent and combat trafficking in persons. Paraguay made recommendations. 58. The Philippines commended the State’s selection of national priorities, which included job creation, health, education, rural development and land reform, and food security, which dovetailed with promoting and protecting the rights to work, health, education and adequate food. The Philippines made a recommendation. 59. Italy encouraged South Africa to pursue the advancement of human rights, in particular MDGs 4, 5 and 6, and praised the country’s role in the adoption of the Human 8