A/HRC/8/21 Page 11 35. The Minister welcomed the interest shown for the Tunisian process toward freedom of press and free access to sources of information and mentioned the progress made. He indicated that the press code was amended four times to further promote and liberalize press activities and the removal of imprisonment penalties from the press code. The Minster also mentioned two types of reforms, the reform of prison penalties and the abolition of legal submission of copies press. He also indicated that besides legal guarantees, there are a number of important developments on the ground, for example, there is not one single journalist in jail and for the past 20 years this has been the case. He also stressed that Tunisian media organizations elect their own leaders and that recently, the Tunisian Association of Journalists elected a syndicate. The Tunisian Government does not try to influence the media, and the independence of the media is noted by journalists themselves. The Minister emphasized that the Government respects the independence of the media and does not try to influence or intimidate the media. 36. The Minister also noted that 90 per cent of the media is private and freely available. Opposition parties participate readily in public television and material support is provided by the Government with no strings attached, and one cursory look shows the variety of media outlets. He also noted that there is no longer administrative authorization required to distribute books, and stressed that there is no restrictions on electronic media. On the issue of Higher Committee on Human Rights and Fundamental Freedoms and the Paris Principles, the Minister noted the paradox that the Human Rights Committee was set up 1991 and has not yet the accreditation by the ICC, while being a pioneer institution in Africa and in the Arab world. He indicated that the President Ben Ali announced that the legal status of the Human Rights Committee was no longer depending on a presidential decree and include several branches and high capable representatives as well as representatives of civil society. A bill is currently under consideration, which will further strengthen the role of the Human Rights Committee, including the possibility by the chair of the Human Rights Committee to visit prisons and engage in developing programmes to take stock of the human rights situation. On the rights of women, as raised by Palestine, Slovenia and Bangladesh, the Minister indicated that Tunisia has achieved women and men parity, and provided information on the legislative reform to ensure equality in the private and public sphere as well as in fight against discrimination. 37. Senegal highlighted the quality of the country report as a clear commitment and sincere desire of Tunisia to achieve more progress in the field of human rights. It requested further information on the efforts by Tunisia to ensure that progress made in the advancement of the status of women is irreversible. Further explanations on the didactic approach to promoting a culture of human rights were also asked. Senegal indicated that the report submitted is dedicated to economic social and cultural rights and stresses the importance of national solidarity and the eradication of poverty. It enquired about the programmes implemented in this area and about measures to strengthen civil and political rights. Regarding the situation of women, a question on the Government plan of action was also asked. 38. Lebanon commended Tunisia on its historic report and achievements in the field of human rights. The efforts and the professional and methodical work to prepare the report were also praised, notably in engaging and involving all stakeholders. It noted that Tunisia has been unanimously applauded for its achievements in the field of women’s rights and in particular for its Family Code, thanked for the replies regarding the status of women and encouraged Tunisia to further work to strengthen and develop the rights of women necessary for a just, balanced and participatory society. 39. The representative of Sweden expressed its appreciation on the efforts made by the Minister to directly provide answers to a number of questions put in advance of the review. Nevertheless, Sweden asked the Minister to further elaborate on his answer relating to concern in two areas which