A/HRC/17/13 against children. France also noted that child prostitutes were considered as delinquents and criminals, rather than victims. Finally, France welcomed Sao Tomé and Principe’s support for the General Assembly Statement on Human Rights, Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity (2008). France made recommendations. 34. Poland welcomed the ratification of CEDAW and CRC. It commended the establishment of the National Child Rights Committee mandated to coordinate the implementation of CRC. It noted the concerns of the Committee on the Rights of the Child about the lack of independence of the National Child Rights Committee, and the fact that its mandate was not in accordance with the Paris Principles. Poland made recommendations. 35. Canada commended Sao Tome and Principe’s commitment to protect human rights, despite its limited resources. It noted that the discovery of oil resources was a unique opportunity to improve the living conditions of Sao Tome and Principe’s population, and highlighted the need for the revenues of this industry to be managed with transparency. It regretted the removal of Sao Tome and Principe from the Extracting Industries Transparency Initiative, and advised it to strengthen efforts to combat corruption. Canada also raised concerns about the increase in family violence, prostitution and sexual abuse. Canada made recommendations. 36. Germany enquired about the implementation of legislation concerning persons under the age of 18 who are in conflict with the law, the establishment of juvenile courts with trained personnel and judges, and the separation of detainees under the age of 18 from adults. Germany was concerned about the increase in pregnant women and young people affected by HIV/AIDS, and the fact that corporal punishment still occurred. Germany made recommendations. 37. Spain congratulated Sao Tome and Principe’s political determination to combat sexual and gender discrimination. Spain expressed its support to Sao Tome and Principe in ensuring the decriminalization of sexual activity between same-sex consenting adults. Spain made recommendations. 38. Maldives congratulated Sao Tome and Principe for its significant achievement in completing its national report despite its limited resources and capacity constraints. It praised the establishment of the National Child Rights Committee and the enactment of a national action plan promoting human rights within the education system. Maldives welcomed recent efforts to reform the education system. Maldives made recommendations. 39. The United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland recognized the challenges faced by Sao Tome and Principe with regard to poverty, HIV/AIDS and education. It welcomed the efforts made to address education, gender parity and health, although improvements to achieve the Millennium Development Goals were still required. It welcomed Sao Tome and Principe’s support for the General Assembly Statement on Human Rights, Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity (2008), but noted that sexual activity between same-sex consenting adults remained criminalized. The United Kingdom noted that the Constitution protects several human rights. It made recommendations. 40. The United Sates of America commended Sao Tomé and Principe for adopting a Plan of Action for Human Rights Education focusing on the national school system. It was concerned, however, about the lack of a juvenile court system and adequate procedures to deal with persons under the age of 18 who were suspected or accused of crimes. It also expressed concern with regard to the prevalence of discrimination and violence against children, and enquired about Sao Tome and Principe’s plans to develop a mechanism to protect children against all forms of violence and sexual abuse. The United States made recommendations. 7