A/HRC/41/5 had created a special division to review cases of violence against women. In addition, special courts on violence against women were operating in more than 20 provinces. 8. The Government used the utmost precaution to protect the civilian population. In that regard, a national board for the prevention of civilian casualties and a technical working group had been established. As guidance, the Government applied the national policy on the prevention of civilian casualties. Afghanistan remained committed to fully implementing that document. 9. Afghanistan had incorporated the provisions of the Convention against Torture and Other Cruel, Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment into the new Penal Code, withdrawn its reservation, and ratified the Optional Protocol thereto. With the enactment of the law on the prohibition of torture and the establishment of the commission thereon, Afghanistan had reduced concerns about the mistreatment of prisoners. Furthermore, the Government had taken steps to improve prison infrastructure and to expand health-care and rehabilitation services. 10. In collaboration with its international partners, Afghanistan had reached the point of zero child recruitment in its defence and security forces by implementing a policy aimed at protecting children in armed conflict and by creating child protection centres. Furthermore, the Penal Code prohibited the use of the death penalty for, and the imprisonment and punishment of, children. It had criminalized the practice of bacha bazi. Orphanage facilities had been reformed and child protection services provided for children at risk. Afghanistan had adopted a national child labour prevention strategy and action plan pursuant to its commitments to International Labour Organization (ILO) Worst Forms of Child Labour Convention, 1999 (No. 182). To strengthen a coordinated national response on child protection, a national child protection secretariat had been created under the Ministry of Labour and Social Affairs. 11. Notable improvements had been made in access to education and health care. The national education strategic plan contained indicators to monitor progress in the development of the education system. Afghanistan had embarked on a comprehensive review of education curricula to incorporate human rights values. Afghanistan was aiming both to enrol children and to enable them to complete school. With regard to health care, 93 per cent of the population lived within a range of two hours from a public clinic. The rates of infant, newborn and maternal mortality had decreased. 12. To ensure more dedicated service delivery and social inclusion, a national agency for the protection of persons with disabilities had been established. 13. Freedom of expression was instrumental in contributing to the promotion of human rights; no limitations or censorship should be applied to the media. The law on access to information had helped to ensure the right to information. Measures had been taken to protect the rights of journalists and human rights defenders, such as the establishment by the Government and the media of a joint coordination committee for the protection and security of journalists. 14. Afghanistan had witnessed the unprecedented return of refugees and internally displaced persons. In that regard, the Migration Council, led by the President, and the Displacement and Return Executive Committee, led by the Chief Executive, were the decision-making mechanisms to ensure effective responses. 15. Justice and equality were prerequisites for peace and development. Therefore, the National Peace and Development Framework for 2017–2021 affirmed the State’s vision of and commitment to the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. 16. The Government had launched the Citizens’ Charter programme as a part of efforts to promote the right to decision-making and to bolster development at the grass-roots level. 17. The upcoming elections would be an opportunity on the path towards democracy and the rule of law. The Government would remain focused on ensuring the proactive participation of citizens in the electoral process. 18. Terrorism, violent extremism and transnational crimes posed major challenges to the State. Afghanistan therefore urged the international community to take a firm stand against 3