A/HRC/12/13 Page 10 55. The delegation reported that improvement of the situation of rural women is part of the second five-year plan and the the poverty alleviation strategy. Femal genital mutilation is about to be wiped out and the Ministry of Health is raising awareness on this issue and prohibiting the practice by health workers. More women have been appointed to decision-making positions and there is political will to increase this trend. 56. Yemen adopted a programme for economic reform and other medium-term development plans, which led to the improvement of living standards and per capita income. The Government has drawn up an independent and comprehensive poverty reduction strategy. Poverty was reduced from 41 per cent to 34 per cent between 2003 and 2005. Other institutional mechanisms work in this area such as the Social Fund for Development which has the second best record at the international level. These efforts, which were blessed by the international partners, resulted in some improvement in living conditions. Priority is given to education with three ministries working in this field. The funding for education is 6 per cent of GNP. Basic enrollment has increased, and the hope is to reach, as per the MDGs, 100 per cent enrollment by 2015. 57. The delegation said that last month, the second stage of the national reform agenda was adopted, and one of its pillars is combating corruption. A comprehensive national strategy to combat corruption is being developed. 58. Venezuela highlighted the commitment by Yemen to promoting human rights. Venezuela understood the sacrifice made by Yemen, a developing country, to host refugees and asked the international community to support Yemen in this regard. Venezuela also stressed the improvement of health indicators over the past years. 59. Denmark, noting constitutional provisions protecting human rights, enquired about measures envisaged to improve the rule of law and to bring a halt to arbitrary arrest and detention and detention without charge. It was concerned about numerous cases of juveniles on death row and gender discrimination, noting in particular the frequency of female genital mutilation. 60. Oman noted that human rights were being promoted through constitutional and legal guarantees to enable governmental human rights institutions and NGOs to increase their activities. Oman welcomed Yemen’s cooperation with United Nations mechanisms. Oman stated that Yemen’s achievements are many and considerable. 61. Lebanon welcomed the planned establishment of a national human rights commission; measures taken to promote human rights, particularly women’s rights, notably through urban and rural development programmes; and measures to further advance the participation of women in decision-making. Lebanon enquired about measures taken to end domestic violence. 62. China noted with satisfaction Yemen’s commitment to decrease poverty; the tremendous progress achieved in education, health and food; and cooperation with the international community and United Nations agencies. China understood that Yemen still faced challenges. It enquired about specific measures taken to reduce the illiteracy rate and protect the vulnerable, in particular their right to food. 63. Jordan noted the efforts to institute a democratic and pluralistic society. Jordan appreciated the establishment of human rights institutions and the formulation of plans and strategies. Jordan referred to the importance attached by Yemen to the advancement of women