A/HRC/29/6 before independence. The delegation confirmed that there were plans to build a new central prison that would meet the relevant international standards. It also mentioned that a new prison observatory had been placed under the Ministry of Human Rights and Public Liberties. 113. Regarding the independent national human rights institution, the delegation said that legislation already existed in that respect and that the aim was to bring the institution legally into line with the Paris Principles. 114. Regarding the problem of female genital mutilation, the delegation explained that the practice was deeply rooted in Guinean society. It noted that a strict and firm approach was needed, together with exemplary punishments, as had been the case with the recent sentencing of three women that practiced excision. The delegation pointed out that some inventiveness would also be required, however, to find alternative solutions for the persons that engaged in the practice, such as offering support for their occupational retraining. 115. Regarding employment for young people and women, the delegation said that a partnership had been set up with the Peacebuilding Fund aimed at implementing projects that favoured their independence. It considered that it would also be necessary to improve the education system by facilitating the enrolment of young girls in school so as to provide them with the skills they needed to prepare for employment. 116. Returning to the question of female genital mutilation, the delegation said that regulatory and legislative measures had been adopted to combat the practice, and that a new complementary law on the subject would soon be adopted. Similarly, the delegation mentioned that a community observatory on access to health care and services for those suffering from AIDS, tuberculosis and malaria had been established. 117. In conclusion, the delegation asserted that Guinea was strongly committed to the protection of human rights. It added that the country at the same time had to work on consolidating the rule of law and managing the situation without compromising institutional reforms and the protection of rights. Lastly, the delegation appealed for the support of the United Nations and Member States to ensure that the promotion and protection of human rights became a reality in Guinea. II. Conclusions and/or recommendations** 118. The following recommendations will be examined by Guinea which will provide responses in due time, but no later than the twenty-ninth session of the Human Rights Council in June/July 2015: 118.1 Consider taking further steps towards the ratification of international human rights instruments that it is not yet a party to (the Philippines); 118.2 Sign and ratify the Optional Protocol to the International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights (Portugal); 118.3 Ratify the Optional Protocols to the International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights and the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination against Women (Sierra Leone); ** The conclusions and recommendations have not been edited. GE.15-07505 13