A/HRC/13/9 courts. While that had not presented a problem in the government zone, prosecutions had not been possible in the ex-rebel centre-north-west (CNO) zone for lack of courts, but proceedings would be taken once reunification was complete. 45. On the question of statelessness, the delegation said, inter alia, that the Nationality Code applied the principle of jus sanguinis. 46. Female genital mutilation was a punishable offence under the agreements signed by Côte d’Ivoire and under the Constitution. In addition, efforts were being made to raise public awareness of the issue of excision. 47. With regard to trafficking in children in plantations and agriculture, the delegation recalled that Côte d’Ivoire had signed bilateral and multilateral instruments with States and international organizations in order to put a stop to illegal trafficking. 48. The Rural Land Act had been the subject of an extensive information campaign prior to adoption, and had been amended to allow foreigners to own land. Women had access to land and nothing in the law prohibited that access. 49. Justice was organized as a pyramidal structure. The reforms mentioned in the national report maintained that structure in order to allow all inhabitants of Côte d’Ivoire equal access to justice. The independence of the judiciary was guaranteed by the Constitution and the law. 50. Azerbaijan welcomed the establishment of the National Human Rights Commission. It expressed concern at sexual violence against children, which remained prevalent according to the Secretary- General, particularly where law enforcement is weak. It asked if the Government considered being a party to the 1961 Convention on the Reduction of Statelessness and the 1954 Convention relating to the Status of Stateless Persons and if legislation prohibited corporal punishment of children in all settings. Azerbaijan made recommendations. 51. The Russian Federation welcomed the progress made in improving stability and implementing the peace process foreseen by the Ouagadougou Agreement. It commended the efforts of the government to ensure open, fair and transparent presidential elections. It noticed the problems of social inequality, poverty and illiteracy within the population. It made one recommendation. 52. Pakistan recognized that Côte d’Ivoire faced political challenges, affecting its capacity to ensure human rights. It noted the establishment of a Human Rights Ministry and National Human Rights Commission. It asked about the role of the police subdivision in this Ministry compared to conventional police. It noted that Côte d’Ivoire was signatory to most of international and regional human rights instruments but faced delays in submitting reports to different treaty bodies and supported its request for technical assistance in this regard. It made recommendations. 53. Mexico recognized Côte d’Ivoire’s commitment to human rights, evidenced in its judicial and institutional framework and its openness and cooperation with international and regional human rights mechanisms. It hoped this mechanism would contribute to national efforts and encouraged the international community to contribute. It took note of priorities, initiatives and commitments in the area of human rights in the national report and asked about measures to implement them. Mexico made recommendations. 54. Sweden welcomed that Côte d’Ivoire prohibits rape and female genital mutilation, but remained concerned about reported lack of enforcement. It noted the Secretary General mentioned a trend of abduction, rape and violence against women and girls and expressed concern about impunity. It noted that the Deputy High Commissioner for Human Rights voiced concern about the 2007 Amnesty Ordinance and thanked the delegation for the 8 GE.10-10140