A/HRC/8/43 Page 15 shortcomings. It asked about the expectations of Zambia from the international community to complement national efforts to promote and protect human rights. 55. The delegation of Zambia responded to the questions raised. In particular on awareness measures related to HIV/AIDS, it stated that many measures have been taken, including trainings for public officers. To combat discrimination against women, consultations have been undertaken to develop legislation on gender-based violence. A first meeting with traditional leaders, who are critical in this process, took place to collect recommendations from them. Concerning the rights of the child, a child law reform secretariat within the Ministry of Community Development has been set up with the purpose of reviewing all child-related legislation to bring it into conformity with CRC and the African Charter on the Rights of the Child. The legal reform involves other line ministries, United Nations agencies as well as NGOs. Furthermore, a legislative audit has been completed and a National Plan of Action for Children on the Street has been developed to sensitize all stakeholders working in this area. Regarding Nigeria’s question as to whether prison congestion is a result of convictions, the delegation stated that there are several reasons, one of them being that prisons date from the colonial times and therefore lack capacity. Moreover, for a long time, the human resources necessary to deal with cases were not available, in particular due to understaffing of lawyers in the DPP and the legal aid board, which is being dealt with through decentralization. Also, the coordination between the justice institutions is being improved through the Access to Justice Programme, which also reduces prison congestions. 56. On South Africa’s question on the right to safe water, the delegation referred to its previous statement. On the issue of illiteracy, the delegation informed that an inter-ministerial committee is looking into this issue. Regarding the questions from New Zealand and Malaysia regarding maternal mortality and HIV/AIDS, the delegation reiterated its goal to reduce maternal maternity by three quarters by 2015. Strategies include strengthening the quality of post-natal services and family planning services with a special focus on rural districts. Many nursing schools have been opened to enhance the availability of human resources, especially of midwives. Appropriate training tools have been developed and improved self-motherhood services are being advocated for. Regarding child mortality, the Government supports a countrywide child health programme. On the question from the United States of America regarding human trafficking, the delegation stated that the offence of trafficking was criminalized through the amendments to the Criminal Code in 2005, and that the Government is currently working on a comprehensive human trafficking legislation and policy. Regarding discrimination against people with disabilities, the delegation noted that a disability policy is in place, which looks at all forms of discrimination against people with disabilities. On the question as to how the Human Rights Commission could be strengthened, the delegation highlighted the connection to economic development and to the fact that all areas of economy must be developed, so that the Commission and other institutions can access adequate funding. Finally, the delegation stated that it took note of the recommendations made by the delegations during the interactive dialogue, for instance those on the ratification of treaties to which Zambia is not a party to, and that it will convey the message to the necessary authorities so that the consultative process to ratify these treaties can be initiated. Regarding the implementation in the current NCC proceedings of international instruments to which Zambia is a party, the delegation explained that one committee of the NCC, chaired by the director of the Human Rights Commission, deals with human rights issues. 57. At the 13th meeting, held on 14 May 2008, during the adoption of the report, Mrs. Imbwae, Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Justice of Zambia, indicated Zambia’s confidence that the structure of the Universal Periodic Review will contribute to improving the situation of human rights in Zambia and indicated that it will continue to engage with all stakeholders in the follow-up to the Universal Periodic Review. Despite challenges, Zambia committed itself to working towards