A/HRC/19/17 46. Timor-Leste responded to questions raised in advance and during the dialogue. Regarding questions on the security sector, in particular accountability and civilian oversight, Timor-Leste explained that the Five Year Plan of the Ministry of Defence and Security (2007–2011) focuses on reforming the security sector, especially in the area of legislation and structural reform. It was added that the strengthening of the country’s legal framework was an important factor to create an environment in which the security forces act in accordance with the law and were accountable to the public. It was indicated that the Government’s commitment in this regard was confirmed by the adoption of the Law on National Security, the Defence Law and the Internal Security Law. 47. Regarding concerns raised about the low level of enforcement of the disciplinary mechanism of the National Police, it was explained that dramatic improvements have been made in recent years. Details were provided regarding the decrease in the percentage of the number of cases archived. Timor-Leste then gave detailed information on measures adopted to achieve this. It was added that the Government also established a temporary commission to monitor the process of promotion and which oversaw the disciplinary conduct of the police who are up for promotion. Timor-Leste also provided details on legislation in this regard as well as on the functions of mechanisms of civilian oversight including those of the Parliament and the Provedoria. 48. Concerning corporal punishment, Timor-Leste recalled that it had adopted a zerotolerance policy and that strict measures were being taken, including disciplinary action and criminal charges. On education, details were provided of the measures adopted in the National Strategic Plan for Education 2011-2015. It was indicated that this plan marks an important shift by placing the child’s physical, psychological, social and academic wellbeing at the centre of school decision making. It was affirmed that Timor-Leste regards corporal punishment as a form of ill-treatment and that the Children’s Code, when adopted, will prohibit such punishment in all settings. Regarding the dropout rates of girls, TimorLeste provided statistics and details of efforts made to decrease it. Timor-Leste indicated that compulsory basic education was now nine years when previously it had been six. This education is now universal, compulsory and free. It was added that, under the current education framework, a number of literacy programmes had been carried out and, with the support of the Government of Cuba, it was hoped that two additional programmes to combat illiteracy would also be implemented. 49. Regarding questions related to the implementation of the recommendations of the Commission for Reception, Truth and Reconciliation (CAVR), Timor-Leste recalled that the Commission’s report contains more than 200 recommendations and that of these 134 were addressed to the State institutions of Timor-Leste. It was indicated that, of these, 112 had been implemented through various development programmes. These included the improvement of conditions of detention, which are now operating with an open policy. Additionally the Government, together with development partners and civil society actors, was engaged in dialogue and reconciliation at the community level aimed at bringing peace. Moreover, youth policies have been approved; and with the assistance of friendly countries such as Cuba and Brazil, widespread programmes for the eradication of illiteracy are being implemented. 50. Timor-Leste then reiterated information given on efforts made to eradicate violence against women and to improve gender equality. Timor-Leste referred to the recent promulgation of the Law on Domestic Violence and mentioned actions taken, including budgetary, to ensure the implementation of the law. Detailed information was also provided of awareness-raising efforts currently under way. Timor-Leste recalled that the Strategic Development Plan (2011–2030) identified as the main challenges to gender equality the high level of illiteracy among women, domestic violence and the high rate of maternal mortality, and provided detailed information regarding these issues. Timor-Leste then 9