A/HRC/14/8 contained provisions criminalizing the trafficking in persons and children, which carried a penalty of 12 years of imprisonment. 54. Fiji stated that the Government viewed the allegation that the judiciary lacked independence as being premised primarily on the belief that the old constitutional order remained in existence. That was no longer the case, and the judicial machinery was functioning independently. The Administration of Justice Decree 2009 had set out the criteria for appointments to the bench, established the hierarchy of the courts and set boundaries for their respective jurisdictions. 55. Fiji highlighted the fact that the appointment of judges to the courts remained a challenge, owing to the reluctance of possible candidates to take up appointments for fear of being subjected to travel restrictions and other sanctions imposed by neighbouring countries. Fiji appealed to the countries concerned to revisit their sanctions policies with a view to lifting them. 56. Fiji also indicated that the Legal Practitioners Decree 2009 had regulated the practice, conduct and roles of lawyers. The Decree also contained provisions concerning, inter alia, the payment of practicing fees, the role of the Law Society and the procedure by which members of the public could file complaints against legal practitioners. 57. Switzerland regretted the fact that the interim Government had not considered holding elections within a reasonable period of time, as requested by the international community, and that judges and magistrates had been dismissed. Switzerland made recommendations. 58. Argentina asked about the results achieved in the implementation of measures aimed at promoting gender equality. It made recommendations. 59. Mexico indicated that it was aware of the political situation, as well as of major challenges and their implications for the enjoyment of human rights. Mexico hoped that constitutional order would be restored as soon as possible through an open and participatory national dialogue, and that the state of emergency would be lifted. It asked about measures taken to ensure that restrictions imposed on freedom of expression and freedom of the press under the Public Emergency Regulations were compatible with international standards, and about measures taken to strengthen the fight against gender-based violence, domestic violence and the sexual abuse of girls and women, as recommended by the Committee on the Elimination of Discrimination against Women. It made recommendations. 60. Israel noted the concerns regarding the deterioration of the human rights situation in Fiji as a result of policies that were interfering with the enjoyment of human rights. It made recommendations. 61. The United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland was deeply concerned at the military authorities’ denial of basic human rights. While recognizing the challenges faced, it noted that these did not justify the delay of free elections. It called on the authorities to ensure an open and inclusive national dialogue leading to early and credible elections and an early return to democracy. It stated that the re-establishment of a fully independent judiciary should be a priority. It was concerned by reports of the arbitrary detention, intimidation and harassment of human rights defenders and political opponents, and called for thorough investigation into these incidents, with no immunity from prosecution for police or military members. It requested information about how Fiji would address reports of gender-based violence, as well as reports of sacrilege in non-Christian places of worship. It made recommendations. 62. Chile stated that it was following with concern the human rights situation in Fiji. It mentioned the following factors as important for achieving the full enjoyment of human rights: independence of the judiciary, a limited scope for emergency legislation, adequate 10