A/HRC/8/43 Page 9 improving the situation of the poor. It also noted that press freedom was being strengthened and a centre for rehabilitation of victims of human rights violations had been established. It asked what was being done to address customary law and traditional practices, particularly dowry, the place of women in society and polygamy, which are in opposition with human rights, and to ensure access to courts 28. Denmark commended Zambia on its efforts to involve civil society in the preparation of the national report. It noted the establishment of the Police Public Complaint Authority (PPCA) but expressed concern about the high number of cases of ill-treatment by the police and in some cases, of torture, and asked about measures in that regard. Denmark recommended that all possible measures be taken to eliminate torture and other inhuman or degrading treatment or punishment, including that all mechanisms such as the PPCA and Victim Support Unit are fully implemented. It also recommended that Zambia ensure that every case of torture or ill-treatment by police officers is seriously investigated, prosecuted and punished and that adequate reparation is granted to victims. 29. Germany commended Zambia on its pledge to extend a standing invitation to special procedures mandate holders. It noted that Zambia was not party to the Second Optional Protocol to ICCPR, and the optional protocols to CEDAW, CAT and the CRC, and asked when Zambia intends to sign and ratify them and what concrete measures would be taken to better incorporate the provisions of those conventions into domestic legislation. Referring to CESCR concerns about the negative impact of extreme poverty on the enjoyment of economic, social and cultural rights, especially by the most disadvantaged groups such as girl children and those affected by HIV, it asked what measures were planned to improve the situation of these groups. 30. Tunisia commended Zambia’s commitments to the promotion and protection of human rights, and noted that despite a very difficult international situation and economic and social problems, it continues to make major efforts to ensure that its people can enjoy human rights in the best possible conditions. Noting the challenges faced by Zambia on the issue of access to drinking water, it welcomed efforts to ensure clean drinking water and an equitable distribution of it to its people, including in rural areas, which deserve encouragements by the international community. It requested further details on private public partnerships in the promotion of clean and drinking water. 31. The United Kingdom congratulated Zambia on the broad consultations with civil society in the preparation of the national report, and noted its strong commitment to human rights and congratulated on the progress made. On the abolition of the death penalty, it welcomed the NCC debate on this issue and recommended that Zambia take further steps in relation to the abolition of the death penalty. It noted that overcrowding and poor conditions in prisons and other places of detention still remain a challenge. It welcomed progress in improving access to justice and noted its increased investment in prison infrastructure and its efforts to reduce the length of pre-trail detention. It recommended that Zambia sign the Optional Protocol to the Convention against Torture at the earliest possible opportunity. It further stated that Zambia has demonstrated its commitment to creating a conducive environment for the media to operate freely with a pledge to implement a Freedom of Information Act in 2008. In order to further encourage the desired environment, the United Kingdom encouraged the reform of the Criminal Code in relation to the prosecution of journalists. It further recognized the important role of local courts in processing civil and minor criminal cases, thus relieving pressure from a heavily overburdened judiciary. However, it recommended that further measures be put in place to ensure that the cultural and traditional beliefs practiced in customary law applied by the local courts do not lead to discrimination against women. It also noted that the establishment of the Human Rights Commission in 1996 and the