A/HRC/8/39 Page 8 23. Cote d’Ivoire noted with interest that Benin is a pioneer of freedom of expression and noted the efforts made in the field of human rights, in particular economic, social and cultural rights. It welcomed the adoption of the Persons and Family Code which strengthens the protection of women and girls, and further welcomed the implementation of the 2005- 2007 plan for judges and the judiciary system. It also recommended that the humanitarian international community intensify its cooperation with Benin to strengthen its capacities to address prison conditions. It also recommended that support be provided by the development agencies towards effective autonomization of women and girls. It also asked whether Benin intends to ratify the Optional Protocol to CAT. 24. The United States of America, while noting that Benin has held several successful elections in recent years that were deemed generally free and fair by international observers, and that in April 2008, local elections were held which had been postponed on several occasions, asked what steps Benin took to ensure that these elections were free and fair. It also invited Benin to describe how it addressed the issue of corruption and what additional steps were planned for the future. 25. Malaysia noted with interest the introduction of the various initiatives to eradicate poverty, including the provision of microcredit facilities. As a developing country, it noted the challenged faced by Benin and asked for further information on the growth strategy for poverty reduction. 26. Azerbaijan encouraged Benin to bring its legislation in line with international standards and give a preponderate place to education. It welcomed the increase of the budget for the educational sector, and that today education expenditures represent 22 per cent of the total budget. It also noted the authorities’ determination to deal with violence against women and called on Benin to combat trafficking and the sexual exploitation of women. It wanted to know what measures were envisaged to solve the problem of children who do not go to school and work in the streets, and to reduce regional inequalities between villages and towns. 27. Angola welcomed the National Advisory Council for Human Rights which facilitates consultations between the different stakeholders. It noted that Benin constitutes a reference point in Africa in terms of democracy, with regular elections characterized by peaceful changes of political authorities. It suggested that Benin should consider implementing certain recommendations of treaty bodies in order to improve certain human rights indicators. It asked what the authorities are doing to improve prison conditions and to solve the problem of illiteracy, and in particular female illiteracy. 28. The delegation of Benin responded to various questions raised, in particular on the issue of trafficking in children, indicating that the phenomenon exists and that it has become a scourge for the country, also because of poverty. There is an active cooperation with neighbouring countries to address the issue, and domestic legislation has been adopted criminalizing trafficking. Other measures include the setting up of departmental and local committees to prevent the exploitation of children and of minors’ protection police units (Brigades de protection des mineurs); however, this is not a definitive solution and its elimination requires continuing efforts. Regarding the issue of domestic violence and harmful traditional practices of women and children, the delegation highlighted the need to put into effect the conclusions and recommendations made in 2007 by the Committee against Torture. Benin is in the process of integrating provisions regarding the prohibition of violence against women through a special law, addressing rape, domestic violence and women’s physical integrity, and of internalizing the definition of torture. Regarding harmful traditional practices, including the issue of “witch children,” measures have been taken to address them and to implement recommendations made by the Committee on the Rights of the Child.