A/HRC/17/13 transnational crime. A bill amending the Penal Code was under consideration by the National Assembly. 16. The delegation also highlighted that Sao Tome and Principe had adopted a policy to enhance transparency and accountability at all levels of Government. 17. A bill for the protection of the rights of persons with disabilities has been tabled for adoption by the National Assembly. 18. The Fifth Commission of the National Assembly of Sao Tome and Principe was established in accordance with the internal regulations of the Parliament, and it has been mandated to follow up on human rights matters, especially with regards to reports of human rights violations by citizens, gender issues, HIV/AIDS issues, children in vulnerability, and other related matters. B. Interactive dialogue and responses by the State under review 19. During the interactive dialogue, 31 delegations made statements. Many delegations commended Sao Tome and Principe for its level of participation in the process and for its consultative approach in the preparation of its national report. Recommendations made during the dialogue are found in section II of the present report. 20. Nigeria acknowledged Sao Tome and Principe’s achievements with regard to the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs), particularly in the area of infant and child mortality. Nigeria noted that poverty was one of the major social problems and challenges faced by Sao Tome and Principe. It noted that, although Sao Tome and Principe was not a party to all international and regional human rights instruments, it had incorporated some of the principles into its Constitution. Nigeria called on the international community to provide the country with technical and capacity-building assistance, and made recommendations. 21. Portugal highlighted Sao Tome and Principe’s commitment to the promotion of human rights. Portugal inquired about the policies developed for ensuring wider access to justice for all citizens, the specific measures intended to prevent excessive use of force by the police, procedural guarantees provided to detainees, and the specific actions and measures undertaken to combat violence against women. Portugal made recommendations. 22. Cuba noted the challenges facing Sao Tome and Principe and its considerable dependency on development aid. Although they have been decreasing since 2000, these constraints reduced Sao Tome and Principe’s capacity to deal with health and education problems. Cuba noted, however, the progress made in the health sector, with a constant reduction of child and adolescent mortality, the achievements in education, and the actions taken to improve the socio-economic situation of its population. Cuba made recommendations. 23. Algeria praised Sao Tomé and Principe’s genuine will to promote human rights and cooperate with the Human Rights Council. It highlighted its efforts to improve its judicial system, the enjoyment of rights by women, the right to education, health, food, and access to drinking water. Algeria noted the lack of resources suffered by Sao Tome and Principe as a small-island developing state and called on the international community to continue its assistance to the country. Algeria made recommendations. 24. Morocco welcomed the efforts made to reform its judiciary and the police force despite a lack of infrastructure and technical and scientific material. It noted with satisfaction the setting up of the Centre to combat domestic violence and the National Institute for the Promotion of Gender Equality. It enquired as to whether Sao Tome and 5