A/HRC/23/7 75. France welcomed the considerable advances made in human rights in Botswana and encouraged the Government to maintain its commitment to the universality of human rights. France made recommendations. 76. Germany commended the efforts of Botswana to establish an independent human rights institution in accordance with the Paris Principles and encouraged it to take swift action in line with the advice of OHCHR. Germany made recommendations. 77. Guatemala welcomed the adoption of legislation on domestic violence and urged Botswana to implement the recommendation of the Committee on the Elimination of Discrimination against Women to remove obstacles to women’s access to justice. It stated that the provisions of legislation on matrimonial issues should apply both to religious and customary marriages. Guatemala made a recommendation. 78. Hungary recognized that reforming primary education was difficult when over 60 per cent of the population spoke minority languages. It noted the new legislative and policy measures to better implement CRC, but remained concerned that the minimum age of criminal responsibility was 8 years. Hungary made recommendations. 79. Indonesia welcomed the Eradication, which had already commended efforts in the area of of CRC into new legislation and recommendations. introduction of the National Strategy for Poverty contributed to a significant reduction in poverty. It children’s rights, including incorporating the provisions establishing relevant bodies and plans. Indonesia made 80. Ireland expressed concern about continuing issues relating to equal rights for minority tribes, and encouraged Botswana to ensure that relevant court judgements were implemented. It welcomed efforts to raise awareness of women’s rights and mainstream gender issues, but was concerned at reports that three fifths of women were victims of gender-based violence. Ireland made recommendations. 81. Italy welcomed endeavours to eradicate poverty and protect freedom of religion. It asked how the recommendations of the Special Rapporteur on the rights of indigenous peoples were being implemented and how Botswana intended to guarantee non-dominant indigenous groups full enjoyment of their rights. Italy made recommendations. 82. Kenya commended Botswana on progress made in implementing the recommendations of the first UPR cycle, particularly relating to the provision of basic social services. It noted that Botswana was well on the way to achieving Millennium Development Goals 2 and 7 by 2015. Kenya made recommendations. 83. Kuwait commended Botswana on its creation of a strong legislative institutional framework, steps taken to fulfil its international human rights obligations and its accession to regional and international treaties. It also commended Vision 2016, which was a step towards achieving economic recovery and the eradication of poverty. Kuwait made recommendations. 84. Latvia noted with appreciation that Botswana had shown openness in its cooperation with special procedures mandate holders of the Human Rights Council. Latvia made a recommendation. 85. Liechtenstein expressed concerned that the Children’s Act failed to prohibit corporal punishment in any setting. It was also concerned about the unequal status of women in marriage and the family and the lack of focus on women in poverty reduction strategies. Liechtenstein made recommendations. 86. Malaysia noted with appreciation the significant strides and continued efforts in upholding the rights of children, women, minorities, persons with disabilities and 10