A/HRC/16/2 3. General comments made by other relevant stakeholders 357. Südwind noted that, despite the steps taken to combat sexual and gender-based violence, the high prevalence of female genital mutilation remained a matter of major concern, as did rape and other forms of sexual violence committed in Liberia. Over half of the rape cases reported involve girls under the age of 16. More than 20 per cent of those submitted to female genital mutilation die from excessive bleeding. It stated further that Liberia’s deep-rooted gender inequalities, inefficient justice system and immense poverty constitute major obstacles to the elimination of sexual and gender-based violence and female genital mutilation. Südwind urged Liberia, as a matter of priority, to declare female genital mutilation a criminal act, to take specific measures to prevent that practice, to combat impunity and to promote accountability of all reported cases of sexual and genderbased violence. 358. Rencontre africaine pour la défense des droits de l’homme noted that Liberians continued to suffer from the physical and psychological effects of years of violence. It also took note of the culture of impunity, corruption at the State level and the judiciary, and the general mistrust of public officials. Recourse to popular justice sometimes resulted in the killing of women accused of sorcery. It expressed concern for the stability and security of Liberia and its neighbours because of recruitment of mercenaries. It welcomed the establishment of a commission for human rights and encouraged emphasis on women’s and girls’ rights, and judicial reinforcement. It invited Liberia to incorporate ratified international instruments. 359. Amnesty International expressed its concern, shared by many States, regarding the introduction in 2008 of legislation reintroducing the death penalty for persons convicted of armed robbery, terrorism or hijacking offences, if these crimes resulted in death. It considered that this legislation directly violated the State’s obligations under the second Optional Protocol to the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights. It urged Liberia to abolish the Armed Robbery Act and to maintain the de facto moratorium on executions, in place since 1979. It was also concerned that rape and other forms of sexual violence against women and girls remained widespread, as did domestic violence and forced and underage marriage. It urged Liberia to act promptly to give effect to the recommendations made during the review regarding these issues. 4. Concluding remarks of the State under review 360. Liberia thanked those present for recognizing the efforts made, noting that these had been carried out in a post-conflict environment, which is a very difficult and complex situation. Liberia provided additional information on action taken to combat sexual and gender-based violence and examples of the prosecution of such cases. Liberia thanked the Human Rights Council once again for receiving its report and assured those present that it would continue its efforts in areas of concern. 361. The President of the Human Rights Council expressed his deep appreciation to Liberia for the comprehensive and very interesting intervention, and observed that, according to Council resolution 5/1, States under review should either support or note recommendations and therefore, following the standing practice, those recommendations on which Liberia was unable to pronounce itself at this time were noted. 362. Liberia clarified that a previous document had been submitted in that regard and noted that its current statement clarified its position. 154 GE.11-17059