A/HRC/40/7 10. The federal Government had established a national technical committee to look into the establishment and management of a database of missing persons. 11. Since the previous review, a number of initiatives had been taken to improve the effectiveness, accessibility, accountability, transparency and fairness of the justice system. They included the development of the justice sector reform action plans, a national legal aid strategy, a national policy on prosecution and a code of conduct and prosecutorial guidelines for federal prosecutors, the establishment of judicial research and a simplified court users’ guide. 12. The Economic Recovery and Growth Plan 2017–2020 addressed the three dimensions contained in the Sustainable Development Goals of economic, social and environmental sustainability. The vision contained in the Plan was to achieve sustained inclusive growth through increased national productivity and sustainable diversification. The Plan would lead to improved accessibility, affordability and quality of health care, with the roll-out of the National Health Insurance Scheme across the country. 13. Significant efforts had been made to implement the supported recommendations from the previous review, as detailed in the national report. The report also presented the developments, achievements and challenges faced by Nigeria in the implementation of its voluntary commitments to the Human Rights Council. 14. In response to the advance questions, the delegation stated that section 34 (1) of the Constitution prohibited torture. During the period under review, Nigeria had enacted the Anti-Torture Act 2017, which prohibited torture and other cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment or punishment by law enforcement agents and provided for punishment for perpetrators of such acts. Military and law enforcement personnel were being retrained to use modern and scientific means of interrogation. 15. The Presidential Committee that had been constituted to investigate allegations of violations of human rights by the military during internal security operations had submitted its report to the Government. Steps were being taken to address the recommendations in the report. Furthermore, in 2018 a special investigation panel had been established to investigate allegations of human rights violations by the Special Anti-Robbery Squad and other special units of the Nigeria Police Force. 16. Several child development and child protection measures had been introduced, including the Child Rights Act at the national level, which most states had adopted as their state laws. The President had launched a programme of action to end violence against children by 2030. The National Health Act, which applied at both federal and state levels, addressed sexual exploitation and abuse of children. 17. The Violence against Persons (Prohibition) Act, which aimed to eliminate violence in private and public life, had expanded the scope of rape to protect males. Since the previous review, the position of Nigeria on sexual orientation had not changed. 18. Personnel found culpable of human rights violations following reports of the special investigation panels were undergoing administrative disciplinary processes, with some personnel facing prosecution. All trials of suspects linked to Jama’atu Ahlis Sunna Lidda’Awati Wal-Jihad (Boko Haram) were held in public and suspects were allowed to be represented by counsels of their choice. The Legal Aid Council of Nigeria provided free legal representation for indigent suspects. 19. With regard to the killing in 2015 of members of the Islamic Movement in Nigeria, the Kaduna State Government had undertaken investigations with the military and a government white paper has been issued. The alleged perpetrators would be tried through the robust military justice system. 20. Nigeria continued to retain the death penalty. However, efforts were ongoing between the federal Government and the state governments to formalize a moratorium on the death penalty. 21. In order to ensure free, fair, credible and peaceful elections in 2019, efforts to strengthen electoral processes were ongoing. The Government was engaging with all critical stakeholders to strengthen the capacities of relevant actors, sensitize the citizenry 3