A/HRC/16/14 initiatives to improve the conditions in prisons. It also noted the impressive progress in achieving the Millennium Development Goals. It made recommendations. 46. France referred to the concerns expressed by the Special Rapporteur on Torture regarding the increase on the number of fatal shootings by police officers and the fact that such incidents were not investigated. It noted the unsatisfactory situation of women and asked whether Jamaica intended to strengthen the legal framework for the protection of women and to conduct awareness-raising campaigns. France made recommendations. 47. Belgium welcomed the progress achieved in meeting the Millennium Development Goals, which had contributed to the realization of economic, social and cultural rights in Jamaica. Belgium raised issues with regard to the death penalty, allegations of extrajudicial executions by the police which had often remained unpunished, and discrimination on the grounds of sexual orientation and identity. It made recommendations. 48. Brazil stated that Jamaica’s report presented an honest overview of its human rights situation. Brazil noted the country’s progress towards the Millennium Development Goals and stated that improved efforts were needed to achieve the gender-based Goals. It commended Jamaica for the advances made in ensuring the rights of older people. Brazil called on the international community to respond favourably to Jamaica’s request for technical assistance. It made recommendations. 49. Malaysia noted Jamaica’s increasing vulnerability to natural disasters and the aftereffects of the global financial and economic crisis, which challenged the Government’s efforts in delivering key goods and services. Malaysia noted significant progress in achieving Millennium Development Goal targets. Malaysia referred to the recently established Male Desk at the Women’s Bureau, aimed at engaging men in the gender discourse, and requested to know more about its use. It made recommendations. 50. Australia commended Jamaica for establishing the Independent Commission of Investigations to address alleged human rights violations by the security forces. Australia remained concerned that more than a dozen people remained on death row and that the courts continued to apply the death penalty. It encouraged Jamaica to repeal its laws against homosexual activities and condemn homophobic statements made by public figures. Australia made recommendations. 51. Turkey expressed appreciation for the considerable progress made by Jamaica in reducing absolute poverty and achieving universal primary school enrolment, as well as for the continued steps taken to eliminate gender discrimination. It welcomed provisions implemented to address violence against women, noted the multifaceted approach to tackling crime and violence, and expressed appreciation for policies and programmes taken to improve the rights of children, especially those vulnerable to violence. It made a recommendation. 52. The Netherlands commended Jamaica for its efforts to reform the law enforcement and judicial system, noting that it was still concerned by reported cases of arbitrary detention and arrests, which had remained unpunished. The Netherlands expressed concern about reports of harassment of lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender persons and stated that legislation criminalizing same-sex activities between consenting adults might contribute to that problem. It also noted that women continued to be victims of discrimination and violence. It made recommendations. 53. The United States of America noted the important steps taken to protect the rights of women, in particular to address discrimination and prevent violence. It expressed concern about reports of extrajudicial killings and the excessive use of force and abuse by police, and the fact that investigations into such allegations against the security forces too often resulted in impunity and a lack of accountability. It remained concerned about continuing 8