A/HRC/8/23 Page 10 cooperation with treaty bodies. China also recognized some difficulties and requested Indonesia to comment on measures it has taken and/or intends to take with respect to the eradication of extreme poverty and results achieved, and to address the issue of unequal pay between men and women. 41. Germany commended Indonesia on its NHRAP (2004-2009) noting that it can be a platform to address shortcomings in a systematic and transparent manner, and requested information on provisions to end impunity and to guarantee effective prosecution of human rights violations. It requested information on (a) how the issue of the crime of torture is addressed in the draft Criminal Code; (b) what progress has been made with respect to upgrading CRC ratification and the ratification of its two optional protocols; (b) concrete measures envisaged to guarantee effective habeas corpus, and especially to grant detainees access to legal counsel and medical care; and (d) how violence against women is treated in the Criminal Code. Germany further noted that according to several special procedures mandate holders, the human rights situation in Papua and the situation of those who raise issues of human rights violations are issues of concern. It asked which measures Indonesia intends to take, including at the local level, to address the situation in Papua and to address also the underlying causes such as poverty and the high rate of unemployment. Germany also asked what measures can be taken by the authorities to protect human rights defenders who are threatened for their activities and if there are any plans to appoint a special contact person for human rights defenders at the provincial level. 42. South Africa noted the efforts of Indonesia, as the largest Muslim nation, to achieve social cohesion, instilling tolerance among its people and promoting unity, which is unprecedented and could indeed serve as a best practice. It requested further information on approaches taken to deal with competing priorities while protecting vulnerable groups from violations, such as trafficking, particularly during the tsunami. South Africa also requested information on the measures aimed at tackling illiteracy, particularly within the context of the first and second National Action Plans and progress achieved so far. 43. Japan noted a series of amendments to Indonesia’s laws and regulations, including to the Constitution and the Criminal Code. It highlighted the process of establishing internal institutions such as the Constitutional Court and of human rights commissions all around the country. This could be an excellent model for similar developing countries. Japan noted that they share the concerns noted in the national report regarding the need for protecting children from forced exploitation. It highlighted Indonesia’s efforts to strengthen the mandatory education system, to prevent child abuse and to eradicate child labour. It asked whether Indonesia considers it useful to ratify the two optional protocols to CRC. Noting efforts to combat human trafficking, including of women and children, as reflected in the national report, Japan enquired about regional cooperative measures needed to complement and coordinate Indonesia’s efforts in this field. 44. Kuwait confirmed that Indonesia has fully recognized the need to observe economic, social and cultural rights and welcomed measures adopted in this regard, confirming Indonesia’s cooperation with international mechanisms. It paid tribute to Indonesia’s efforts on regional initiatives, particularly through the organization of a human rights workshop in July 2007 which Kuwait participated in, culminating in the Bali Plan of Action which confirms the need to combat poverty. Kuwait asked about the level of women’s’ participation in political parties and electoral commissions. 45. Keeping in mind progress made by Indonesia, in particular with regard to the harmonization of legislation, gender equality, the democratization process and the protection of specific groups, Mexico recommended that Indonesia consider withdrawing its reservations to CRC and, as part of efforts to strengthen the judiciary, to consider possible amendments to the Criminal Code to include torture as an offence in keeping with international standards. Noting that both Indonesia and