A/HRC/18/12 39. The Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela acknowledged the negative impact of the economic crisis on the country’s economy. It noted Surinamese efforts in the area of combating violence against children and young people and referred, in that regard, to the establishment of a Women and Child Policy Bureau, and a National Commission for the Eradication of Child Labour, in 2007 and 2009 respectively. It made a recommendation. 40. Canada welcomed the Government’s priority focus on children’s rights. It noted that women remained uniquely vulnerable and that trafficking remains a problem. Canada welcomed efforts to give effect to the rights of the Amerindian and Maroon, noting, however, that recognition of rights was often at the individual level, disregarding collective rights. Canada noted with concern reports of poor prison conditions and mistreatment of prisoners as well as the fact that the death penalty remained in place, though it had not been applied in over 80 years. Canada made recommendations. 41. France noted that the legislation still provided for the death penalty in certain cases, even though a moratorium had been in place since 1982. It mentioned the concerns of the Human Rights Committee in 2004 regarding human rights violations committed under the military regime and impunity of perpetrators, and referred particularly to the extrajudicial executions of December 1982 and the Moiwana massacre in 1986. France also highlighted the issue of corporal punishment and ill-treatment of children. Finally, it noted discrimination against women. France made recommendations. 42. The United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland acknowledged the record of Suriname in many areas discussed during the universal periodic review and expressed the hope that, in future, greater attention could be given to LGBT issues and rights in the national report. It encouraged Suriname to devote attention to issues relating to prison and detention conditions. It made recommendations. 43. Cuba noted challenges faced by Suriname in relation to the world economic crisis, its recent colonial past and the international exploitation by industrialized countries. It acknowledged Surinamese efforts in the area of human rights, particularly to combat gender inequality, improve the field of health (including achievements in the prevention and treatment of HIV/AIDS and malaria) and promote primary education. Cuba made recommendations. 44. Norway noted the impressive level of racial harmony in the country. It observed that Suriname had stated that it would comply with the 2007 judgment of the Inter-American Court of Human Rights in the Saramaka case. It recognized efforts to attain equality between men and women. Norway expressed concern about trafficking and sexual exploitation of minors. Norway made recommendations. 45. Hungary expressed concern at the slow pace of judicial reform towards achieving de jure equality for women. It also noted reports of discrimination against women in employment. Hungary also noted reports that Suriname was a destination, source and transit country for trafficking. It commended Suriname for efforts in recognizing the collective rights of indigenous peoples but remained concerned about their plight, in particular regarding land rights and reports of illegal logging and mining in indigenous areas. Hungary made recommendations. 46. Brazil noted with appreciation several gender-related programmes, as well as initiatives to promote the rights of the elderly and to combat HIV/AIDS, particularly the provision of antiretroviral medication. It noted that physical and sexual abuse of children remained a challenge and commended initiatives on this issue. Brazil recalled the establishment of a bilateral working group on migration and consular issues and areas of bilateral cooperation with Suriname such as health, education and school feeding. Brazil made recommendations. 8