A/HRC/27/13 59. The Congo expressed appreciation for the efforts of Equatorial Guinea in the area of health, notably the organization of awareness campaigns on the HIV pandemic and on mother-to-child transmission. 60. Slovenia noted developments regarding the law establishing a moratorium on the death penalty. It expressed continuing concern about practices and customs that violated the rights of women and girls. 61. Côte d’Ivoire noted the efforts expended by Equatorial Guinea in the areas of education and action against infant and maternal mortality. It stressed the importance of cooperation between the international community and Equatorial Guinea. 62. Cuba highlighted the Government’s efforts to develop the country, including measures to reduce infant mortality, to improve education and to improve the quality of and access to health care. 63. The delegation of Equatorial Guinea said that particular efforts had been made in providing training to army, police and prison officers. It had been made clear to all civil and public servants that anyone responsible for torture contravened the conventions signed and ratified by Equatorial Guinea, and its commitment to the Human Rights Council. The proof of that was to be found in the training guide for police and uniformed officials, a copy of which had been handed to the President of the Human Rights Council. 64. Much had been done to eradicate poverty, although efforts to do so had been hampered by the fact that, as a result of the long period of unrest, the country lacked the necessary physical infrastructure. A budget allocation had therefore been made to invest in the physical infrastructure. 65. The Government worked closely with civil society. It welcomed recommendations from civil society organizations and took careful note of them, with a view to implementing them. 66. The Government had decided that, while arbitrary detention had happened in the past, it had no place in the present or the future of the country. Should it occur again, the most severe penalties would be meted out to those responsible. 67. Equatorial Guinea lacked the necessary infrastructure for a functioning press and, therefore, action was needed in that regard. 68. The President, as the Head of State and Government, did not interfere with the judiciary. The President’s only link with the judiciary was as the Head of State, who therefore, presided over the Supreme Council. 69. The Government was aware of the need to overhaul the national legislation as a whole and a reform process was under way. 70. The process for ratification of the Optional Protocol to the Convention on the Rights of the Child on the involvement of children in armed conflict was also under way. 71. A minister with responsibility for HIV/AIDS and other pandemics had been appointed and health care for persons living with AIDS and other diseases was provided free of charge. That approach would be strengthened by the support of the international community. 72. Action was being taken to protect women from harmful cultural practices. 73. With regard to average incomes and large income gaps, the delegation explained that resources were not trickling down because of the need to reinvest a large portion of the national budget in the country’s infrastructure. 8