A/HRC/8/35 Page 8 recommended that Gabon take the necessary measures to follow up on CEDAW recommendations, notably by enshrining gender equality in its Constitution and by criminalizing domestic violence, and recommended that particular attention be paid to gender issues in the preparation of policies and laws. It also recommended that the police, the judiciary, public administration and the general population be sensitized to the importance of gender equality. Canada referred to the fact that the Working Group on Arbitrary Detention and the Special Rapporteur on freedom of opinion and expression noted that journalists and members of opposition groups are still subject to restrictions. Recalling the recommendation of the Human Rights Committee on the issue, Canada recommended that Gabon take measures to follow up on such recommendations, notably by putting an end to censorship of the press and to the harassment of journalists. Canada also recommended that Gabon revoke its laws on defamation, which limit the capacity of civil society to express a diversity of views. Finally, Canada recommended that Gabon issue a standing invitation to all special procedures and recommended that Gabon ratify the Rome Statute of the International Criminal Court. 34. The United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland recommended that the Government accept the requested visit of the Special Rapporteur on the right to education. On the issue of indigenous peoples, there remains a concern whether basic human rights are still denied to this population. Regarding women’s rights, the United Kingdom encouraged Gabon to strengthen domestic legislation for greater gender equality and to reinforce essential and fundamental rights for women. In this regard, the United Kingdom was interested to hear any specific plans for new laws to protect women’s rights. The United Kingdom also welcomed the signature of the Optional Protocol to CAT and recommended its ratification. The United Kingdom recommended that Gabon ratify the Second Optional Protocol to ICCPR and urged Gabon to provide a full response about allegations of arbitrary detention and restrictions on press freedom. 35. Referring to Gabon’s moratorium on the death penalty since 1980 and its decision to abolish it, Italy was particularly interested in finding out about progress on the development of internal procedures in implementing this decision. Particular challenges may relate to children’s rights and special attention may be given to juvenile justice. Italy recommended that Gabon create a judicial system for minors and improve their situation including the separation of minors from adults in prisons. 36. Nigeria noted the efforts made by the Gabonese Government to implement international instruments, including awareness-raising and training campaigns to ensure children’s health, to combat trafficking and exploitation of children as well as protecting women’s rights. Nigeria supports the steps taken by the Government to integrate the Pygmy population into the mainstream society and recommended Gabon to redouble its efforts in this important endeavour, particularly in the area of educational development and provision of other basic amenities. 37. The United States of America noted that international news media have reported a recent sharp increase in ritual killings, including of young children, with suggestions that these ritual killings may be tied to the recent local and municipal elections. The United States asked whether the Government could confirm these reports and if so, would Gabon clarify the nature of these killings, and what action is the Government taking to address this problem and bring the perpetrators to justice. Finally, the United States asked about steps taken to ensure free and fair local and municipal elections on 27 April 2008. 38. Japan would like to know what specific measures Gabon will take to improve the health situation and the access to safe drinking water. Regarding the sexual exploitation of children, Japan requested information on the legal and administrative measures taken so far and on the course of