A/HRC/23/7 in poverty reduction, including the special focus on youth development and education programmes. Namibia made recommendations. 97. The Netherlands commended Botswana on progress made since the first UPR cycle, but noted that challenges remained, including discrimination and violence against women and girls and the lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) community and criminalization of same-sex activities. It noted that Botswana considered education to be the key to changing culturally rooted prejudices. The Netherlands made recommendations. 98. New Zealand welcomed the increased attention paid to gender issues, but noted concerns regarding the high rate of maternal mortality and the lack of a strategic plan to address the problem. It requested more details on the women and health focus of the National Gender Programme, particularly to address maternal mortality. New Zealand made recommendations. 99. Norway welcomed the focus on indigenous groups, women and the judicial system since the previous report. Violence and discrimination against women remained a challenge, and Norway was concerned that the prevalent use of customary law prevented women from enjoying as much protection as men. Norway made recommendations. 100. The State of Palestine noted the commitment of Botswana to upholding the rights of children, women, persons with disabilities and minority and disadvantaged groups. It commended the adoption of public education initiatives such as gender awareness-raising and affirmative action for women’s empowerment. The State of Palestine made recommendations. 101. Paraguay noted the incorporation into national legislation of a number of international treaties, and enquired what legislative initiatives would be given priority in the near future. It urged Botswana to demand its right, as a landlocked country, to preferential treatment to pursue its right to development, particularly in relations with neighbouring countries. Paraguay made recommendations. 102. The Philippines commended the ratification by Botswana of several core human rights treaties and the country’s readiness to fulfil its obligations. It welcomed efforts to mainstream human rights in education, noting that the target of universal primary education by 2015 was achievable. The Philippines made a recommendation. 103. Romania welcomed the creation of specialized courts, the adoption of the new Children’s Act and the establishment of the National Children’s Council. It applauded the election of the first female speaker of the National Assembly and encouraged Botswana to strengthen institutions to eliminate discrimination against women. Romania made recommendations. 104. Rwanda commended Botswana for creating specialized courts, which had improved access to justice, and for the adoption of awareness-raising initiatives on gender issues to educate the public on women’s rights. Rwanda made recommendations. 105. Senegal noted the considerable progress made by Botswana in improving human rights in the follow-up to the recommendations of the first UPR cycle, particularly in the justice system and in promoting and protecting the rights of women, children and persons with disabilities. Senegal made recommendations. 106. Singapore noted that the persistent efforts of Botswana were leading to a steady reduction in poverty and an increase in its Human Development Index ranking, and that it was on track to achieve universal primary education and a reduction in school dropouts. It also noted the success of Botswana in lowering the prevalence of HIV/AIDS. Singapore made recommendations. 12