A/HRC/22/5 53. Regarding human rights in prisons, Gabon guaranteed prisoners’ rights to life, health and education, among others; any violation of their rights was severely punished. 54. Regarding juvenile courts, the law establishing legal regulations for the protection of minors was in force. The juvenile justice system was operational and protective measures were in place to ensure the rehabilitation and social reintegration of minors. Furthermore, Gabon had started to provide education for minors in detention. 55. In conformity with United Nations rules, more prisons would be built in the near future and more minors would be separated from adults. Juvenile courts had been established; training courses were provided for detainees; the National Committee on Education and Vocational Training in Prisons was operational; and training courses on the regulations prohibiting and punishing the use of torture were organized for security officers. 56. Regarding the rights of minorities, Gabon took into account the rights of the Pygmies on the same basis as those of all other population groups. The Pygmies were closely attached to their environment. The delegation pointed out that leprosy no longer existed in Gabon and that the Pygmies were knowledgeable about plants which kept them in good health. 57. With regard to health, Gabon had put in place a new mechanism: a national health insurance and social security fund, which symbolized national solidarity and mutualisation. Staff of the national fund had criss-crossed the country to register the country’s poor, who could not afford health care. Henceforth, those with more resources paid to help the most needy. 58. The delegation emphasized that the President of the Republic had placed environmental protection at the top of his agenda and had set up a climate change programme. Gabon had 13 national parks, which covered a third of the country, and considerable efforts had been made to protect the environment. Moreover, some highranking officials had been imprisoned for poaching. A number of countries had congratulated Gabon on its efforts to protect the environment. 59. The delegation of Gabon reiterated that the observations made during the discussion should enable it to progress with the consolidation of the rule of law. The observations would be recorded so that the necessary action could be taken and so that, during the next review, Gabon could report on other measures taken. 60. Morocco welcomed Gabon’s ratification of CPED, OP-CAT, and the Second Optional Protocol to the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights. It praised the Government’s opposition to discrimination against women and its commitment to increase schooling access. 61. The Netherlands commended Gabon on the abolition of the death penalty. It noted that mechanisms, policies and laws to prevent and combat trafficking existed in Gabon, both at national and provincial levels. Still, legislation was not regularly enforced and coordination had proven to be insufficient. Improvements in this field needed to be made, as noted also by the Special Rapporteur on trafficking in persons, when she visited Gabon in 2012. The Netherlands made a recommendation. 62. Nicaragua acknowledged progress made by Gabon since 2008. It highlighted the ratification of international human rights instruments, the cooperation with different mechanisms of the Council, as well as the implementation of national strategies to address discrimination and domestic violence against women and violence against children. It valued reforms in the justice system, particularly those regarding obsolete practices in the treatment of persons deprived of their liberty. Nicaragua made recommendations. GE.12-18722 9