A/HRC/8/43 Page 6 14. Brazil noted that the national report highlighted examples of progress made and of obstacles to improving the human rights situation. It commended Zambia on the establishment of several human rights institutions and noted that despite the numerous positive measures adopted, violence against women continues to be a serious problem, as referred to by treaty bodies. It asked what programmes and practical measures are taken to prevent gender-based violence and what legal reforms have been undertaken to strengthen the laws against violence and discrimination against women. Brazil recommended to Zambia to consider adhering to the Optional Protocol to the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination against Women (CEDAW). 15. The Russian Federation asked whether members of all 72 official tribes in Zambia had equal access to participating in State elections and receiving education, and whether tribal languages were also taught in schools. It also cited problems related to the prison system - overcrowding, poor nutrition, lack of appropriate medical care, unsanitary conditions and lack of a proper water supply, and asked what was being done to improve the situation. It asked how the Government was tackling the high levels of maternal mortality, malaria and HIV/AIDS. It further asked whether Zambia had sought technical cooperation to improve the situation with respect to its treaty reporting obligations. 16. Austria commended Zambia on the consultative process in the drafting of the report. On the issue of eliminating discrimination against women, concerns were expressed by the treaty bodies that article 23 of the Constitution provided for exclusions and exceptions to the prohibition against discrimination, including in matters concerning civil and customary law. Austria recommended that the prohibition of discrimination be strengthened in the context of the current constitutional-review and that specific legislation be adopted to ensure the full implementation of CEDAW. Austria asked about the status of compliance with the Convention on the Rights of the Child (CRC) in particular with regard to the obligation to register children immediately after birth, the protection from all of physical or mental violence, injury or abuse, and the implementation of a juvenile justice system. Austria recommended that juvenile courts and justices be established to enhance access to justice of children in conformity with their specific needs. 17. The Democratic Republic of the Congo noted with satisfaction that Zambia is a party to many international human rights treaties, and that the Constitution guarantees the protection of fundamental freedoms. It expressed admiration regarding the fact that Zambia constitutes a peaceful multiracial, multiethnic and multicultural State. It also expressed its support to Zambia’s reform efforts and asked Zambia about measures to improve access to water by the population. It recommended that international treaties adhered to by Zambia enjoy full implementation and that their incorporation in domestic law be accelerated. 18. Slovenia commended Zambia on its commitment to improving human rights of its citizens. It raised concern that there was no law prohibiting discrimination against people with disabilities and asked if the Government envisaged adopting anti-discrimination legislation in that regard. It also noted that the Constitution and laws carry union rights but noted that non-unionised workers do not enjoy protection under law. It recommended to interpret statutory law and to set enforcement mechanisms in a way that protects unionised and non-unionised workers equally and without discrimination. Slovenia also asked what Zambia had done to integrate a gender perspective in the consultations and national report for its Universal Periodic Review and what was planned for the next stages, including the outcome of the review. It recommended that Zambia systematically and continuously integrate a gender perspective in the follow-up process to the review. 19. Canada noted that Zambia represents a multiparty democracy which ensures the full enjoyment of human rights and welcomed its announcement to issue a standing invitation to all