A/HRC/15/55* threatens the enjoyment of human rights, and must therefore be more thoroughly addressed. The experts support the recommendation made during the universal periodic review that the Commission should be strengthened in order to be able to operate independently and effectively. The independent expert on the question of human rights and extreme poverty further examines issues related to corruption below (paras. 118–119). 13. The adoption of the Right to Information Act in April 2009 and the establishment of the Information Commission are further positive steps to improve transparency and accountability in Bangladesh. The experts call on the Government of Bangladesh to ensure its proper functioning, including through human and financial resources. III. Groups particularly vulnerable to poverty and lack of access to sanitation and water 14. Women, children, persons with disabilities, minorities, indigenous peoples and refugees have been identified as being the groups most vulnerable to extreme poverty and as having limited access to the rights to sanitation and water. The experts recognize that extreme poverty has multiple dimensions in terms of the enjoyment of numerous civil, economic, political, social and cultural rights. The section below highlights some important human rights concerns and focuses on the connections between extreme poverty and lack of access to water and sanitation for these groups. A. Women 15. Women and girls, who are disproportionately represented among the poor, are negatively affected by lack of access to sanitation and safe drinking water, further exposing them to the likelihood of continued poverty. Although the Constitution guarantees women equal rights, discriminatory social norms often prevail, denying them the effective enjoyment of their rights and perpetuating their experience of poverty. Adverse cultural patterns related to violence against women, property rights, inheritance law, dowry and early marriages prevent women from fully participating in society and enjoying their human rights. Social norms also dictate that women and girls bear the primary responsibility for collecting water, taking time away from their education and incomeproducing activities. Furthermore, women lose out on work and educational opportunities because they are ill or have to care for sick relatives, affected by diseases caused by lack of safe water and sanitation. Ensuring safe and regular access to water and sanitation within the vicinity of the household tailored to the specific needs of women has a decisive impact in eliminating poverty. 16. The experts note that specific efforts are required to ensure women’s access to land, education, credit and other productive assets, and to overcome the power imbalance that prevents women and girls from taking full control over their lives. They note that, although they are the worst affected by poverty, women play a crucial role as agents of change. The experts encourage Bangladesh to implement existing laws, such as the Early Marriage Act, the Dowry Act and laws concerning violence against women, and to ensure the elimination of de facto and de jure discrimination against women. B. Children 17. The Government has taken important steps to improve the situation of children, including by helping to ensure that children have access to safe drinking water and sanitation and providing hygiene education. The Government has also taken measures GE.10-15451 5