A/HRC/17/13 52. Latvia appreciated the response given by Sao Tome and Principe to extend a standing invitation to special procedures. Latvia made a recommendation. 53. Mauritius noted Sao Tome and Principe efforts to combat poverty, and commended the special attention given to vulnerable groups and to education. Mauritius appealed to the international community to strengthen its development cooperation. Mauritius enquired about the measures taken to prevent corporal punishment, and the steps to ensure accountability for the exploitation of oil reserves. Mauritius made a recommendation. 54. Hungary hoped that the recently discovered oil deposits will help to improve the economic and social situation in the country. It commended the establishment of the National Child Rights Committee and highlighted that the protection of children rights could be improved through the prohibition of corporal punishment, and the adoption of laws to combat ill-treatment or violence within the family. It commended the decrease in child and adolescent mortality, but noted the high rate of maternal mortality, and the prevalence of infectious diseases. It enquired about Sao Tome and Principe’s intentions to provide access to drinking water and sanitation, especially in rural areas. Hungary made recommendations. 55. Ghana commended the 2009 national forum on justice that was aimed at reforming the judicial system. Ghana enquired about the impact of the 2005-2009 Plan of Action on the education system and society in general. Ghana was concerned about the lack of a mechanism to protect children against all forms of violence. Ghana made recommendations. 56. Cape Verde noted the challenges faced by Sao Tome and Principe in areas such as health, education, water and sanitation, and access to justice. It highlighted the financial constraints that prevented Sao Tome and Principe from improving the human rights in these areas. Cape Verde noted that the establishment of a national human rights institution accredited by the International Coordinating Committee (ICC) would be desirable. It encouraged the international community to increase its assistance to the country. Cape Verde made recommendations. 57. The delegation of Sao Tome and Principe referred to two recently adopted laws which allow citizens to have access to information regarding petroleum exploration activities. With regard to the efforts undertaken to reduce poverty, the delegation mentioned the measures taken to improve access to health-care services and compulsory education. The 2010 national budget allocated better coverage to the special needs of the extremely poor and people at a disadvantage. 58. Regarding the promotion of gender equality and women’s participation in decisionmaking processes, the delegation pointed out that a resolution adopted by the National Assembly three years ago, establishing quotas to advance the access of women to posts in the administration, has been implemented. Awareness-raising campaigns have also been carried out among women to involve them in decision-making processes. 59. In order to improve access to justice by the poor, an amendment to the Law on Judicial Fees has been proposed. The Government, in partnership with the Bar Association, was working on a draft law which would provide free legal aid and assistance to the poor. 60. Regarding violence against women, the delegation indicated that the National Institute for the Promotion of Gender Equality was preparing a strategy on gender equality. Regarding domestic violence, apart from the Centre for Combating Domestic Violence, a shelter for victims of violence has been established, and a shelter for street children has also been envisaged. 9