A/HRC/17/13 41. Argentina asked about measures adopted by Sao Tome and Principe to reduce maternal mortality, ensure that girls stay in the educational system, and increase the political participation of women. Argentina made recommendations. 42. The delegation of Sao Tome and Principe took note of several recommendations concerning the ratification of human rights treaties and indicated that it would bring them to the attention of the concerned authorities. 43. With regard to the protection of children in vulnerability, the delegation referred to the law on domestic violence which made punishable all forms of abuses and domestic violence against children and persons living in the same physical space. Following the passage of the new 2010 law governing the judiciary system, a family and children court was set up to deal with family matters. The court would be fully operational by the end of 2011. 44. Regarding same-sex relationships, the delegation explained that although the Penal Code, in force since 1878, made such acts punishable, the provisions were no longer applied. The new Penal Code would abolish this criminal offence and would also comprehensively protect children against abuse and violence. 45. The Minister of Justice, in conjunction with the Fifth Commission of the National Assembly and some NGOs were making efforts to harmonize national legislation with international standards, and investigate allegations of human rights abuses. 46. The delegation indicated that in the coming months, the authorities would initiate procedures to extend an invitation to special procedures, and to consider the ratification of human rights treaties. 47. With regard to comments regarding the excessive use of force by police agents, the delegation indicated that Sao Tome and Principe, in partnership with Portugal, had provided training to police agents in order to enhance their knowledge about new forms of criminality, and had adopted measures to render the Police more approachable by citizens. 48. Timor Leste commended the progress made in the promotion and protection of human rights. It enquired about the strategies for implementing human rights treaties, especially CRC and CEDAW. It also enquired about the steps taken to increase women’s access to employment. Timor Leste made recommendations. 49. Ecuador acknowledged Sao Tome and Principe’s efforts to improve its human rights situation. Ecuador made recommendations. 50. Slovakia took positive note of the educational system reform, including the provision of free and compulsory primary education, the steady decrease in child and adolescent mortality and a longer life expectancy, as well as the adoption of the Plan of Action for the World Programme for Human Rights Education. However, it expressed concerns about major administration deficiencies, de facto discrimination against disabled children and children living in poverty, and the increase in child prostitution. Slovakia made recommendations. 51. China commended the accession to CRC and CEDAW, and welcomed the establishment of the National Child Rights Committee to coordinate and supervise the implementation of CRC. It praised the Plan of Action for the World Programme for Human Rights Education 2005 -2009, and the strategy to prevent and control malaria, as well as the recent draft label act. It also noted the progress made by Sao Tome and Principe in protecting the civil and political rights of its citizens. China was concerned about the absence of governmental coordination for the international assistance received by the country. China made a recommendation. 8