A/HRC/37/10 policy on social security to improve access to social services for all citizens, especially for the poorest. 40. Haiti commended recognition by Benin of the competency of the African Court of Human and Peoples’ Rights to receive complaints from non-governmental organizations (NGOs) and individuals. It welcomed the decision by Benin to exempt girls from paying school fees for secondary education and the adoption of the Children’s Code. 41. The Holy See noted the legislative progress in Benin and the initiatives to foster protection, education and health-care services for children, and the birth registration programme to help to combat child trafficking and other forms of slavery. It mentioned the efforts to eradicate the killing of so-called “witch children”. 42. Honduras commended the adoption of the national action plan against racism, racial discrimination, xenophobia and related intolerance. It also noted the decision of Benin to exempt girls from paying school fees for secondary education. 43. Iceland welcomed the progress made by Benin since its second review, including the adoption of the Children’s Code. However, it noted that there was room for improvement. 44. India welcomed the establishment of a national authority to combat corruption. It noted the measures taken by Benin to combat poverty, strengthen the justice system, generate employment, combat violence against women and children, and implement the right to health. India encouraged Benin to complete the process of setting up its Human Rights Commission and ensuring its independence. 45. Indonesia commended the commitment of Benin to make education accessible to all and the adoption of the Children’s Code. It welcomed the establishment, in 2016, of a national framework, through a national charter for social dialogue, to prevent and manage social conflicts, strengthen the democratic process and promote good governance. 46. Iraq welcomed the strengthening of the legal framework for the protection of children, the adoption of the Information and Communication Code and the adoption of the action plan against racial discrimination. 47. Ireland commended Benin for the abolition, in practice, of the death penalty. However, it noted that the sentences of death-row inmates had not yet been commuted. It welcomed the adoption of the Information and Communication Code, although it noted reports of restrictions and suspension of independent media outlets, and that some media offences were still punishable by prison sentences or heavy fines. 48. Italy commended Benin for the adoption of the Information and Communication Code, the Children’s Code and the new Code of Criminal Procedure, and for the ratification of the Convention on Protection of Children and Cooperation in respect of Intercountry Adoption. 49. Kenya commended Benin for the efforts it had made in the implementation of the recommendations from previous universal periodic reviews and its engagement with human rights mechanisms, and encouraged it to maintain its efforts in implementing the outcome of the present review. 50. Libya welcomed the progress achieved in strengthening the judiciary and harmonizing national legislation with international standards, and the ratification of a number of international and regional instruments. 51. Madagascar welcomed the measures adopted to combat poverty, strengthen the judiciary, reduce prison overcrowding and combat violence against women and children. It commended the ratification of several international and regional instruments. 52. Malaysia welcomed the efforts made to harmonize the national legislation with international standards, and advancements made in the field of health, education, women’s rights, children, housing and land management. It commended the new policy on social protection and access to basic social services, but it noted that infant, neonatal and maternal mortality rates remained high. 6 GE.17-23482