A/HRC/11/28 Page 14 CRC – SC, b) consider issuing a standing invitation to United Nations human rights Special Procedures, and c) maintain and strengthen programs to combat extreme poverty. 69. China noted outstanding achievements in the elimination of poverty, protecting labour rights as well as interests, enhancing social welfare, protecting vulnerable groups, promoting gender equality and developing news media. Regarding the special committee established with the target of fully eradicating poverty in 7 to 10 years, China asked about concrete plans and stage-by-stage targets in this work. China recommended to Mauritius to establish a police complaints authority with active work and necessary technical assistance from the international community. 70. Italy asked if the recent Equal Opportunities Bill has been definitely approved by the National Assembly and has already entered into force. In its opinion this Bill represents a major achievement in Mauritius human rights policy as it prohibits any form of discrimination on the ground of, inter alia, political opinion, race, sex and sexual orientation. Italy inquired whether the Government intends to adopt consistent provisions in order to decriminalize sexual activities among consenting adults. It welcomed the establishment of an Ombudsperson for Children in 2003, yet noted some concerns in the field of the rights of the child, including in such areas as adoption and juvenile justice. Italy recommended to Mauritius to: (a) to increase efforts in ensuring full compliance of domestic legislation with the CRC, including by introducing a legal minimum age for criminal accountability. With regard to women’s rights, Italy recommended to Mauritius to: (b) amend those constitutional provisions which negatively affect the status of women, including marriage, divorce, adoption, burial and transfer of property in case of death. 71. Côte d’Ivoire made reference to numerous studies made by national institutions recognizing the economic success of Mauritius but also the progress made in the areas of health and education. Côte d’Ivoire: a) recommended to Mauritius to continue its efforts on behalf of the defense and sustainability of a pluralistic democracy, good governance, economic and social development and the strengthening of national human rights institutions; b) urged Mauritius to continue along the path of its humanistic ideal of a rainbow nation, rich in cultural, social and religious diversity and respecting the rights of minorities. 72. Zimbabwe noted the establishment of the Human Rights Centre as a very positive development. It recommended: (a) to Mauritius to continue to work over the challenges and the constraints it is facing in its endeavour to promote and protect human rights; (b) to Mauritius to finalise the National Action Plan on Human Rights which will undoubtedly bring about tangible improvements in the observance of all categories of human rights; and (c) that the United Nations Development Programme and the Commonwealth Secretariat should continue to assist Mauritius in capacity building. 73. Barbados noted with satisfaction that many of the policies of the Government recognize the indispensable link between human rights and development. It noted that like many capacity constrained developing countries, there is a backlog in the presentation of reports to the treaty bodies. Barbados called on the treaty bodies and the OHCHR to work together to assist Mauritius and other SIDS, where possible, to prepare the necessary reports and follow up to the treaty body recommendations. 74. The Democratic People’s Republic of Korea commended, inter alia, the amendment of the Criminal Code in 2003. It noted with particular appreciation the commitment of Mauritius to human rights as demonstrated by the creation of a Fund to promote further the economic empowerment of vulnerable groups and various activities for the well-being of people. It

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