A/HRC/8/43 Page 14 association which fights against discrimination based on sexual orientation or gender identity. On these two issues, it asked for clarifications. 50. Nigeria welcomed that Zambia was party to some major United Nations and regional human rights instruments and was encouraged by the establishment of the Police Public Complaints Authority, which addresses public complaints against police misconduct. Nigeria recognized challenges faced in the housing sector and encouraged Zambian authorities to continue constructing adequate houses for people under the housing development programme. It also asked whether congestion in prisons, a problem that is common in most developing countries, was a result of inmates awaiting trial or a high rate of conviction. 51. Angola commended Zambia on the constructive approach to drafting its report as well as the progress made in the field of human rights. It welcomed the citizens’ access to basic rights and freedoms. It also acknowledged and thanked Zambia for having hosted refugees from Angola and its efforts to ensure the respect of the rights of refugees. It also noted that treaty bodies have made comments and recommendations with a view to improving certain aspects of the human rights situation and Angola believes that Zambia should take those recommendations into consideration as it will help to improve the human rights situation in the country. It also noted with great interest the efforts made by Zambia to improve the living condition of its people and asked about measures taken to ensure the legal protection of women and children. 52. South Africa commended on the progress made thus far in the area of empowerment of women and it encouraged Zambia to further intensify these efforts. It requested information on the programmes in place including the progress achieved in relation to ensuring that the right of access to drinking water and sanitation. It further requested Zambia to share information on measures that are in place to ensure that traditional practices are not in contravention of international human rights norms and standards. It noted that illiteracy still poses a great challenge and asked what programmes are in place to ensure that the Government deals with these challenges in an effective manner and about the successes of such interventions. It referred to the issue of corruption and its negative impact on the enjoyment of economic, social and cultural rights and recommended that Zambia accelerate its efforts to finalize the national anti-corruption policy and mechanisms for monitoring its implementation. 53. The Holy See appreciated Zambia’s consideration of input from civil society stakeholders in its report. It noted with satisfaction Zambia’s policies on the right to life, which starts at conception, and is interpreted broadly referring to environmental protection, public health and nutrition as well. It noted that the death penalty is legal in Zambia but executions have not been carried out since 1997 and encouraged Zambia to continue on this road and arrive at a complete abolition of the death penalty. 54. Bangladesh commended Zambia on having undertaken a broad consultation with all stakeholders for the drafting of their national report. While noting the difficult socio-economic conditions, it noted that Zambia has made serious stride in improving the human rights protection through a variety of institutional, legal and administrative measures. It also noted with interest the progress made in gender mainstreaming and the increase participation of women at the highest policy level both elected positions and public services. It also noted with appreciation Zambia’s initiatives for the advancement of girl education. It also noted the frankness with which Zambia identified the shortcomings faced by developing countries such as in the field of economic, social and cultural rights which are also due to resources constraints. It noted that Zambia is doing its utmost, and certainly needs international support, to fully and successfully overcome those