A/HRC/15/5 instances, the local authorities had had to intervene to appease the dispute, but no one had ever been arrested on grounds of faith or religious conviction. 57. Although remaining a minority, Christians were growing in number, while the number of Buddhists was decreasing. According to a 2005 census, Buddhists made up 67 per cent of the population and Christians 1.5 per cent, with approximately 41,746 Catholic and 60,700 Protestant believers. There were 95 Catholic and 225 Protestant churches. 58. The Lao Government was considering implementing the recommendations made by the Special Rapporteur on Freedom of Religion or Belief during her visit to the Lao People’s Democratic Republic. 59. The Libyan Arab Jamahiriya asked about methods used to deal with unexploded munitions, which were an obstacle to social and economic development, claimed the lives of innocent people and caused disabilities. It also asked Laos about its plans to empower its people through education, including higher education, and made a number of recommendations. 60. Italy commended Laos for the de facto moratorium on the death penalty. It also welcomed progress in the area of religious freedom, as recently confirmed by the Special Rapporteur on Freedom of Religion following her 2009 visit. Italy noted, however, that restrictions on religious minorities, especially Christians, were still being reported. It made a number of recommendations. 61. Mozambique noted programmes for public health and the development of the rule of law. It encouraged the Government to accelerate the implementation of those programmes. It asked Laos to share its experiences in implementing the National Strategy for the Advancement of Women (2006-2010) and to pay special attention to the prevention, suppression and punishment of the trafficking in persons, especially women and children. 62. Tajikistan welcomed the intention of Laos to pursue a consistent human rights policy. It noted efforts to improve and enhance the democratic system so that State mechanisms truly served the nation and the people. It also noted that Laos had acceded to six core human rights conventions and two optional protocols, as well as other relevant instruments. 63. Finland commended Laos for having ratified core human rights treaties, including ICCPR and the Convention on Persons with Disabilities, and asked what measures were envisaged for their implementation. While recognizing efforts made to promote women’s rights, it inquired about measures to combat violence against women, including awarenessraising programmes. 64. Switzerland welcomed the ratification of ICCPR as well as cooperation with special procedures, in particular with the Special Rapporteur on freedom of religion or belief. Switzerland expressed concern about the treatment of the Hmong and the confiscation of lands without adequate compensation. It also expressed concern about the conditions of detention. 65. Kyrgyzstan noted that Lao was a multi-ethnic country, constantly implementing policies to guarantee human rights and reduce poverty. The Government acknowledged that much remained to be done. Kyrgyzstan noted that Laos had taken measures to expand access to health-care services and to improve its legal and judicial system through the adoption of more than 90 laws. 66. The Islamic Republic of Iran noted positive developments and achievements in areas such as poverty eradication, the right to work, education and health, the rights of women and children, the right to life, the right to participate in public affairs, cultural rights and the right to information. It also noted that, as a multi-ethnic nation, Laos was pursuing a policy 10