A/HRC/12/2 page 11 violence and armed assault or threatened armed assault were brought to justice and convicted. The delegation noted that the country was finding it difficult to enforce decisions of the military courts, in particular because prison officers who were military personnel connived with prisoners in their escapes. In that connection, the delegation stated that reform was currently under way to establish a corps of non-military prison officers. The delegation also referred to the shortage of judges and lawyers, which prevented justice from being rendered properly. It informed the Working Group of certain reforms, including the reform of the system of justice and the prison system, involving various ministries. Discussions were under way and strict time frames were being established. As an example, the delegation mentioned prison inspections and the establishment of a watchdog. Lastly, it stated that judgements had been handed down against persons responsible for abuses and violations and that the efforts undertaken since 2003 had led to a decline in the occurrence of certain offences. 46. With regard to the crime of witchcraft, the delegation said that that was a cultural problem; decriminalizing it would be impossible, since that would open the way for people to take the law into their own hands. Nevertheless, action could be taken on the severity of the penalties provided for by the Criminal Code. 47. With respect to the death penalty, the delegation indicated that it might be abolished under the reform of the Criminal Code in October or November 2009, particularly as it was no longer applied. 48. Concerning extrajudicial executions and racketeering, the delegation stated that various decisions had been taken regarding illegal roadblocks, which had been re-erected by a number of soldiers who had received prison sentences. In addition, military personnel responsible for extrajudicial executions had been brought to justice. 49. Morocco sought elaboration on the National Plan of Action 2007-2011, the Action Plan for Education 2003-2015 and the Poverty Reduction Strategy Paper. It sought elaboration on the establishment of a national committee to follow up on implementation of CRC. Morocco recommended that the international community give all necessary assistance to the State to strengthen its capacity, therefore supporting it in its actions, particularly to attain the MDGs. 50. The Democratic Republic of the Congo referred to the strong national legal framework and efforts to effectively combat poverty. It enquired about policies to address high illiteracy rates; results of the Poverty Reduction Strategy Paper; and achievements of the National Mediation Council. It encouraged the Government to continue its policy of national reconciliation and to implement the decisions of the inclusive political dialogue; give tangible form to their wish to refurbish the national human rights commission; and envisage ratifying the Convention on the Prevention and Punishment of the Crime of Genocide. 51. South Africa welcomed measures to restore the rule of law, particularly adoption of the constitution, review of the judicial system, establishment of a juvenile court, retraining of police and prison warders to support legal reforms and measures to fulfil human rights obligations in the socio-economic sphere and to tackle gender inequalities. It enquired about plans to submit outstanding treaty reports and measures to enable resettlement of IDPs; and asked for comments