A/HRC/30/28 15. In 2009, the Government put in place three plans for poverty reduction, which were implemented through a human rights-based process. Since then, poverty had been reduced by 15 per cent and inequalities had been narrowed through targeted government policies. At the same time, the health system had been strengthened, and public trust in public services had increased over time. Ecuador, together with the Plurinational State of Bolivia, had the lowest unemployment rate in the region—at around 3.8 per cent. The justice system was being strengthened, and Ecuador now had the lowest murder rate in the region, and overcrowding in prisons was being successfully addressed. 16. Mr. Muñoz said that the key to success had been a determined effort by Ecuador to narrow social and economic inequalities through a human rights-based approach to poverty reduction. Precise targeting of policies had enabled the Government to devise effective strategies to improve education, social security and access to work for vulnerable populations. Public policies had also been designed to pinpoint specific challenges at the regional level, so as to address geographic disparities. The aim was to guarantee social protection through all life stages. The Government had committed itself to eradicating poverty in Ecuador by its term limit in 2017. Ecuador was also heading two regional networks in Latin America, under the auspices of the Economic Commission for Latin America and the Caribbean, focusing on combating cross-border development challenges. 17. Turning to the third panellist, Ms. Aliane, the moderator noted that broad-based participation was widely recognized as a key element of sustainable development. In that regard, he invited her to share some of the lessons Algeria had learned about promoting the participation and inclusion of women in public life as an integral part of national development. 18. Ms. Aliane said that Algeria had its own values and civilization, which were duly reflected in the country’s Constitution and legislation. The country was working to expand the space for human rights implementation and was determined to assume its responsibilities and international obligations. Algeria was convinced of the value of investing in social capital as a means to combat poverty. Government programmes included initiatives to promote the rights of women, especially regarding education from primary school to university. Currently, 63 per cent of all holders of university diplomas were women. 19. Women’s rights were also mainstreamed into ongoing efforts for national reconciliation, as well as in various microcredit schemes to support development projects in agriculture and small business. A national solidarity fund provided support to disadvantaged people to overcome exclusion and break out of poverty. Algeria had more than 100,000 associations active in the social and cultural fields, which also played an active role in supporting women. Around 1 per cent of all public funds were devoted to persons with disabilities. The panellist noted that youth represented around 70 per cent of the population. The Ministry of Youth was responsible for programmes and initiatives to combat child labour and for devising special measures for youth and orphans. 20. Women in Algeria had the opportunity to participate in development initiatives and efforts were made to ensure a participatory society. This was enshrined in domestic law in line with commitments under international conventions. Women held 30 per cent of all public positions—the highest proportion in the Arab world and the twenty-seventh highest in the world. Women further presided over courts and held many decision-making positions. The current Government had seven women ministers, and the Army had several women among its generals. Women were also active in economic life and frequently candidates in elections, including for the presidency. Algeria further had a National Council for Women and the Family, and a National Research Centre to generate data to guide public policy. A proposal was being put forward to create a fund to support divorced women. 5