A/HRC/WG.6/5/L.5
page 17
national emergency. Nearly a quarter of those under 18 have not been registered at birth.
Cooperation between the Government and UNICEF is exemplary in this respect. Spain noted the
establishment of the Human Rights Commission and of the Office of the Mediator. Nevertheless,
the mandate of these institutions is still very limited. Spain recommended (a) that these institutions
be given appropriate mandates and the financial resources they need. A restructured Commission
could be accredited as a national human rights institution. The Congo should increase its efforts,
including through educational measures, to end discriminatory attitudes against women. Spain also
recommended (b) the inclusion in domestic legislation of a definition of discrimination against
women, together with the elimination of all discrimination related to possession, shared, ownership
or inheritance of land; (c) that matrimonial legislation be made compatible with international
instruments with a clear schedule so that family legislation can be replaced together with the
abolition of the ban on advertising for contraceptives; (d) adopt legislation to prohibit such practices
as well as a message to assure the eradication of female genital mutilation, including campaigns to
increase awareness on this issue.
64.
Ghana noted that the National Action Plan 2009-2013 for improving the quality of life of
indigenous peoples has been drafted and asked the Congo to elaborate on the essential elements of
this action plan. It noted overcrowd in prisons is a major problem, while most prisons lack social
integration measures, and recommended that the Congo consider more non-custodial measures for
offenders, particularly for women, as a means of reducing the overcrowd and the pressure on
reintegration efforts. It also noted several other challenges for the Congo but was encouraged by the
country’s pledge to seek technical assistance from the Human Rights Council to address them and
Ghana supported this call.
65.
Benin encouraged the Congo to persevere in its commitment to the promotion and protection
of human rights and invited the other States to support the Congo which is emerging from a period
of civil war. Benin also invited the brother countries to support all the Congolese in the rapid
reconstruction of the country. Benin recommended that the Congo ratify CAT-OP and establish a
national preventive mechanism.
66.
Côte d’Ivoire noted the efforts made by Congolese authorities for their community despite an
uncertain economic environment and the progress made to restore the rule of law. It commended the
efforts of the Congo in the peace consolidation process. Côte d’Ivoire congratulated and encouraged
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