A/HRC/18/10 61. Replying to concerns raised about the difficulties journalists faced in doing their work, the delegation observed that Sierra Leone, with a population of almost 6 million people, had 52 national papers, all of which were privately owned. The Sierra Leone Association of Journalists operated freely. The Freedom of Information Bill was at committee stage. Since the Government came to office, no journalist has been jailed or taken to court by the Government. The Independent Media Commission adjudicated on cases and complaints between journalists and the Government. The Public Order Act of 1965, which criminalized libel, had not been used. The issue was on the Government’s legislative agenda and the ultimate intention was to remove it from the Statute books. 62. Regarding the question on human trafficking, the delegation referred to cooperation on this issue, including through the work of National Taskforce comprising Government, United Nations agencies and civil society, and of the good progress achieved. 63. Responding to issues raised about elections, the delegation noted that the Electoral Commission was strong and independent and headed by Christiana Thorpe, who was internationally renowned. The Commission had recently undertaken consultations, the report of which had been validated. It was being recommended that the laws governing elections which were to be found in various Statutes should be consolidated so that all provisions would be contained in one volume. 64. Good progress had been made on food sufficiency, with Sierra Leone exceeding the obligations for budgetary allocations to agriculture required under the Maputo Declaration. 65. On the problem of overcrowding in prisons, the Government had established a leadership group on this matter, with external partners as members. The Government had taken steps to ensure that juveniles are not incarcerated with adult prisoners, which although prohibited by law had occurred in practice. A prison had recently been refurbished. Prisoners were to be transferred there, to ease the overcrowding at the Pademba Road prison, the main prison. All persons receiving a sentence of more than 7 years’ imprisonment had to serve their sentence at the main prison; this practice was also being considered for re-examination from the perspective of reducing overcrowding. Alternative sanctions to imprisonment and shorter sentences were also under consideration. 66. China noted the importance given to development issues, the commitment to meet poverty-reduction targets, the accession to core international human right treaties, the emphasis on protecting the rights of vulnerable groups, such as women and children, and on ensuring children’s right to education. It acknowledged Sierra Leone’s difficulties in ensuring the rights to food, adequate housing and safe drinking water. It called upon the international community to provide necessary financial and technical assistance. It made a recommendation. 67. Ecuador recognized Sierra Leone’s efforts to fulfil its international obligations to guarantee, respect and promote human rights. Ecuador noted the efforts made regarding the national reconciliation process following the tragic civil war from 1991 to 2002. Ecuador made recommendations. 68. Costa Rica recognized the institutions established and the human rights legislative measures taken as well as the public policies adopted to reduce child and maternal mortality. Costa Rica expressed concern about the vulnerability of women and children and requested that particular attention be accorded to this situation. It requested the international community’s cooperation to overcome those challenges. Costa Rica made a recommendation. 69. Bangladesh noted that poverty remained a serious issue, hampering the full enjoyment of human rights. Bangladesh noted achievements, including in the health sector, and commended the Government’s initiatives to ensure free and compulsory formal 11