A/HRC/18/10 (ECOWAS) Commission as a demonstration of the country’s political will to promote and protect human rights. Mexico made recommendations. 49. Switzerland praised Sierra Leone’s efforts to promote national reconciliation and implement many TRC recommendations. Switzerland welcomed the legislation adopted on domestic violence in 2007 and encouraged renewed efforts for its implementation. Switzerland expressed concern at the prevalence of FGM and the limited access to the formal judicial system, particularly in rural areas. It observed that judgements were frequently handed down late, detention was extended and prison sentences exceeded the legal limit. It noted that excessive use of force, corruption and other abuses committed by the police had reportedly lowered confidence in the security and police forces. Switzerland made recommendations. 50. The United States of America commended the Government’s commitment to alleviating high infant and maternal mortality rates and encouraged improved oversight and management of the programme and expanded rural coverage. It noted the progress made by the Anti-Corruption Commission. It encouraged full implementation of the three “gender laws” particularly in rural areas and for national resources to be committed to declared goals. It expressed concern over the conditions in overcrowded prisons and detention centres, as well as the inaccessibility of legal representation and delayed trial dates. It noted governmental officials’ occasional interference with journalists’ work. It remained concerned about the prevalent use of child labour, particularly in the mining sector. While commending preparations for the 2012 elections, it expressed concern about the possible adverse effects of tensions between the ruling and opposition parties. It made recommendations. 51. Turkey welcomed the recommendations of the TRC with regard to women and girls who had suffered during the civil war. Turkey appreciated the establishment of the National AIDS secretariat and the National Strategic Plan on HIV/AIDS 2011-2015. It commended the introduction of the free health-care initiative and the efforts to increase access to education with a view to achieving universal primary education by 2015. It supported the Government’s efforts to address youth unemployment, reinforce democratic institutions and promote national cohesion and unity. It made recommendations. 52. While noting the de facto moratorium on the death penalty, Portugal asked about the Government’s intentions to amend legal provisions for the replacement of this penalty. Portugal noted that despite the progress made, discriminatory laws against women remained as did a high percentage of sexual and domestic violence, torture and rape. Portugal asked about the measures to reduce and eliminate child labour and child mortality and to assist and compensate children who were victims and participants during the civil war. Portugal was concerned at the widespread practice of FGM and the intention to prohibit this practice only for girls below 18 years old. Portugal raised concerns about the poor provision and realization of economic, social and cultural rights and asked about the measures taken to achieve related MDGs. Portugal made recommendations. 53. Slovenia, while commending Sierra Leone for its development of strategies and plans, remained concerned about discrimination against women in law and practice Slovenia was concerned about the reported thousands of orphaned and vulnerable children who were victims of exploitation. Slovenia commended the free health-care programme and asked about other measures taken to address the high infant, under-five and maternal mortality rate, including to improve safe drinking water and sanitation facilities. Slovenia also asked about measures to effectively monitor the situation of former child combatants, particularly girls, who were not included in the disarmament, demobilization and reintegration (DDR) process with a view to providing them with the necessary assistance to facilitate their full reintegration. Slovenia made recommendations. 9