A/HRC/18/10 23. The delegation replied that Sierra Leone intended to meet its human rights treaty reporting obligations in the future, however, there was a need for technical assistance in that regard. 24. While there may be instances of child labour, the delegation reaffirmed that the recruitment of children in the armed forces had been expressly prohibited under the Child Rights Act and extensive publicity had been given to that ban. 25. The delegation explained that there was no violence during the 2007 election. However, after the election, there was an incident in Freetown. With the facilitation of UNIPSIL, a Commission was established, with Commissioners nominated by all concerned parties. A report was produced, blame was apportioned and the necessary steps were taken. The delegation noted that another report about violence, unrelated to elections and ethnicity, was outstanding. The Government intended to address those issues and bring the perpetrators to book. 26. The Government was committed to the elimination of the practice of FGM. Steps were being taken progressively and continuously to reach that goal. 27. There was no discrimination on the grounds of sexual orientation. It was expressly prohibited under the Constitution. The delegation reiterated the Government’s commitment that persons under its jurisdiction will be protected by the law. 28. The delegation referred to a new Local Courts Act which brought the administration of justice at the customary and traditional level into the mainstream and the formal legal system. It was expected to become law by the end of June. The law would bring the administration of these courts under the purview of the Chief Justice, reducing the possibility of violations and non-access to justice. The Government in Cabinet had also adopted a national legal-aid project which was extended to the local courts level. That legislation was being reviewed by Parliament. Additionally, the Government had created an enabling environment whereby NGOs and other institutions operated a legal aid system at the community level. 29. Currently, Sierra Leone had no death-row prisoners. On 27 April 2011, the President of Sierra Leone commuted all death sentences to life imprisonment and three death-row prisoners were given a pardon. No one had been executed in Sierra Leone since 1998. The question of the abolition of the death penalty was on the legislative agenda of the Government. It had been extensively discussed during the Constitutional Review Process. That process will continue after the 2012 elections. 30. On the question of citizenship the Government recognized that the provision in its 1973 Citizenship Act requiring that forefathers twice removed must be of negro-African descent, was contrary to international human rights obligations. That issue will also be addressed in the future Constitutional Review process. 31. Norway expressed concern regarding women’s and girls’ illiteracy, jeopardizing their job possibilities and active involvement in development. Norway expressed concern about infant and maternal mortality rates. While commending Sierra Leone’s support for the joint statement on ending human rights violations based on sexual orientation and gender identity, Norway noted that criminal sanctions against sexual activity between consenting adults of the same sex were maintained. It expressed deep concern about impunity in cases of sexual violence. It made recommendations. 32. Cuba mentioned Sierra Leone’s challenges, due to economic crises, international exploitation and civil war, highlighting poverty, youth unemployment, poor basic social infrastructure, street children, youth violence and women’s underrepresentation in leadership positions. Cuba noted progress to achieve peace and reconciliation; to prioritize free public health care; to implement policies to fulfil the rights of women, as 6