A/HRC/8/21 Page 6 9. With regard to the follow-up on previous recommendations concerning the freedom of expression and opinion made by the Human Rights Committee, the Minister announced that the Press Code has been amended to ensure a greater liberty and greater freedom. In particular, some of the requirements and need for review have been withdrawn, allowing newspapers to publish without legal registration. The Minister also highlighted the high number of newspapers currently circulating in the country, which demonstrates to what extent freedom of expression, is applied in Tunisia. With regard to the question by Germany on the prohibition of torture, the Minister stressed the fact that Tunisian law expressly prohibits any acts of torture or other cruel and inhuman treatments and punishes anyone involved in such acts. He further stated that law enforcement agents have been sentenced to prison terms if convicted for involvement in acts of torture. The Minister also indicated that redress has been made available to people who demonstrated that they have been victims of torture. In addition, he stated that such efforts are always made to ensure that law enforcement agents who commit acts of torture are brought to justice. 10. With regard to a question raised by Italy, the Minister recalled Tunisia’s intention to withdraw its reservations to CRC and CEDAW and noted that a consolidating reform is ongoing in the country, which considers acceding to the Optional Protocol to CEDAW. As concerns violence against children, the Minister recalled that it exists in all societies as it exists in Tunisia. He indicated that there is a mechanism within the Ministry of Women and Children and that an annual report is currently being drafted in cooperation with civil society which is expected to be presented to the Parliament. In addition to that report, judges and child judges are in a position to take all necessary provisions to protect women and children and to ensure that appropriate follow-up is carried out. The Minister recalled Tunisia’s full commitment to the promotion and protection of all human rights and its awareness of the progress required to further consolidate its ongoing efforts and constant balance between political will and a resolved civil society and the real challenges that result from increasing terrorism, fanaticism and extremism. In order to counter these challenges in respecting human rights, the Minister highlighted the importance for Tunisia to ensure that the international community expresses solidarity with regard to promoting and protecting human rights. B. Interactive dialogue and responses by the State under review 11. During the ensuing interactive dialogue, 65 delegations made statements praising Tunisia for its high-level representation as well as the high quality of their presentation and their national report. 12. Kuwait commended the constant endeavour demonstrated by Tunisia in the field of human rights and its level of cooperation at the international level, including with United Nations bodies and various stakeholders. Kuwait also noted with interest the new measures taken by Tunisia and welcomed the establishment of the Higher Committee on Human Rights and Fundamental Freedoms. A question on the measures taken to strengthen its independency was posed. 13. Palestine noted that Tunisia was among the first countries to adopt a Constitution that promotes values of equality, justice and freedom and praised the international commitments showed by Tunisia in ratifying several human rights instruments. Palestine posed a question to Tunisia on the positive developments regarding the condition of women and asked if Tunisia could describe the measures that allowed this advancement, in particular in the pharmaceutical field. 14. Pakistan noted the strong democratic pluralist system in Tunisia, the freedom of media, the crucial role played by the Higher Committee on Human Rights and Fundamental Freedoms, the judiciary system and the efforts made in ensuring rights of women and children, the right to work, and the eradication of poverty. Pakistan also noted with appreciation the interaction of Tunisia with civil society, including during the World Summit on Information. Pakistan emphasized the