A/HRC/18/2 652. Cuba recalled that Papua New Guinea faced major challenges, such as improving education and health services and achieving the Millennium Development Goals. Papua New Guinea had nonetheless made progress in the protection of human rights, as demonstrated in its universal primary education policy, its national health plan and its national strategic plan on HIV/AIDS. Cuba welcomed the fact that Papua New Guinea had accepted many of the recommendations received, including those made by Cuba on socioeconomic development, and on health and education. Cuba reiterated its solidarity with the people of Papua New Guinea. 653. The United States of America welcomed the acceptance by Papua New Guinea of many of the recommendations received, in particular of those on human trafficking and on undertaking a national awareness-raising campaign on gender-based violence, as it remained concerned about those issues. It also welcomed the acceptance of recommendations on the involvement of women and ethnic minorities in matters of the State. In this regard, the United States welcomed information on the passing of legislation to increase the representation of women in Parliament. While welcoming the acceptance of recommendations on the professionalism of the police force, the United States was disappointed that Papua New Guinea had not supported its recommendation on impunity or that relating to the allocation of adequate manpower and resources to improve prison conditions. 654. Indonesia shared some of the challenges faced by Papua New Guinea and lent its full support to the country with regard to the raising of the population’s standard of living. Indonesia appreciated the fact that Papua New Guinea had accepted its recommendation relating to the ratification of international instruments, and looked forward to the acceptance of its recommendation on compulsory and free primary education. Indonesia welcomed the establishment of a national human rights institution, scheduled for 2012, and offered its assistance. It also welcomed Papua New Guinea’s robust anti-corruption strategy. 655. Morocco recalled that Papua New Guinea faced many constraints due, notably, to its lack of capacity and infrastructure. Morocco noted that this had not prevented Papua New Guinea from engaging in development, as demonstrated through, in particular, its efforts to enhance women’s participation in political life, its fight against domestic and sexual violence, the protection of children and young people, and rehabilitation. Morocco welcomed the fact that Papua New Guinea had accepted a large number of recommendations, including the one made by Morocco on the establishment of a national human rights institution. Morocco recalled its support for Papua New Guinea’s efforts to enhance the human rights situation. 656. New Zealand welcomed the fact that Papua New Guinea had accepted 114 recommendations, including those made by New Zealand relating to the reduction of maternal mortality, the creation of safe places for women victims of gender violence, greater representation of women in Parliament, and human rights training for senior police officers. New Zealand had recommended the ratification of the Convention against Torture and the Optional Protocol thereto, and noted that this recommendation had been accepted. It urged Papua New Guinea to take prompt action in this regard. 3. General comments made by other relevant stakeholders 657. Rencontre africaine pour la défense des droits de l’homme welcomed the establishment of a national human rights institution, which would contribute to ending police brutality. It called for more efforts to reduce infant and maternal mortality rates, and remained alarmed at the increase in cases of murder of elderly women and children accused of witchcraft. It encouraged Papua New Guinea to establish effective programmes to train and sensitize its security forces in order to stop impunity in this regard. It encouraged 176 GE.12-17756