A/HRC/8/36 Page 11 public sector. Due to its constitutional independence from the Government, the Commission can check on abuse and corruption in public office. Apart from dealing with individuals complaints, the Commission also has powers to undertake systematic investigations. The Commission is currently conducting a systematic investigation into the rights of persons living in mining activities areas, and will address comprehensively the issues involved. The Commission has also a mandate to inspect police cells, prisons and detention centers, and to monitor human rights by reporting annually on the human rights situation in Ghana, in collaboration with the civil society and other governmental agencies. With regard to the participation of women in political parties, Ghana noted that the Constitution seems to suggest that measures should be left to political parties to have an internal organization in accordance with democratic principles. Ghana also noted that the Media Commission does not only guarantee the rights of the media, but protects individuals as well. There is a mediation process, and individuals have a right to a rejoinder, without prejudice to the right to go to court for defamation. The representative noted that many rely on this and are content once a rejoinder is published. Concerning the right of information, Ghana stated that a Right of Information Bill has been prepared and consultations are ongoing with civil society. Regarding traditional medicine which is part of Ghana’s history and culture, the Government is seeking to modernize it with the collaboration of research institutions and universities. Concerning elections to be organized in December 2008, the Government assured it would take no step to frustrate their general outcome. Ghana does not have a sitting President wanting to extend his term or anyone wanting to interfere in any way. The funds that are needed by the Independent Electoral Commission have been provided, as have the funds required by the National Council for Civic Education, which educated the citizens on their rights and the proper conduct of elections. With regard to the question of Liberian refugees, Ghana referred to a process of consultations with the Government of Liberia. The persons who started to question their refugee status wanted Ghana to transport them to a third country, which Ghana does not have the power to do. When starting the process of bringing back persons to Liberia, Ghana found that some persons had not registered as refugees and were illegal immigrants. Twenty-two of them took the matter to court and lost a case in the High Court. Ghana noted that if these persons wish to stay it will not bother them if they have refugee status. 52. Algeria noted that the introduction of the child school feeding programme and the establishment of the Domestic Violence and Victim Support Unit were examples of best practice. Algeria recommended the international community to provide to Ghana full technical and financial support as called upon by the treaty bodies as a way of improving the national machinery for the advancement of women. With reference to the NEPAD School Feeding programme, Algeria recommended that Ghana continue to give increased attention to the gender gap between boys and girls in the advancement at all levels of education. 53. Portugal noted measures such as “livelihood Empowerment programme against poverty” and the public school “Capitation Grant” and “School Feeding Programme” and asked for more information on the statistics on the real impact that these programs in reducing extreme poverty and enhancing access to education. It recommended Ghana to allocate more resources, including through multilateral cooperation, to enhance the implementation of its respective laws, combating impunity, and to raise human rights and rule of law awareness where needed. 54. Portugal also welcomed the fact that the last death sentence was executed in 1993 and recommended the Government to take next step of abolishing the death penalty in its national legislation. 55. Ireland noted positive initiatives such as the creation of the Ministry of Women and Children’s Affairs at the Cabinet level, the adoption of the Domestic Violence Act 2007 and the