A/HRC/8/39 Page 11 37. The Republic of Korea welcomed the efforts made by Benin to improve the promotion and protection of human rights. It asked about the steps taken by the Government to implement the Human Rights Committee’s recommendation to set up a national human rights institution in accordance with the Paris Principle to replace the non-operating Beninese Commission on Human Rights. Furthermore, noting the Human Rights Committee’s concerns expressed in 2004, it asked the delegation to elaborate on the situation of polygamy. It also asked whether torture has received a clear definition and included as offence in the criminal law, as recommended by the Committee against Torture. It also stressed the importance of the basic human rights including the right to food and encouraged Benin to intensify its efforts to guarantee to its people the right to food and all other human rights. 38. Senegal welcomed the efforts made by Benin to meet its commitments in the area of human rights, and welcomed the progress made with regard to disabled persons, the realization of the right to education, and access of drinking water, for which UNICEF noted the significant progress. With respect to constraints and challenges Benin identified, it noted the political will and encouraged the international community to grant Benin technical assistance. It asked if Benin has engaged the procedure for ratification of ICRMW, which Benin signed in 2005. 39. Nigeria commended Benin on its inclusive approach to the preparation of its national report and welcomed the ratification of various human rights international instruments. It noted with interest Benin’s determination to strengthen its human rights structures and the possibility for individuals to bring matters in a simple procedure and for courts to play a role in protecting fundamental rights. It also commended Benin on its health programmes and projects. It also noted the efforts of Benin in its fight against children trafficking and reaffirmed that Nigeria will continue collaborating with Benin in this endeavour. It asked further how Benin was able to successfully bridge the gap between boys and girls in school enrolment. It recommended to Benin to continue focusing on the eradication of poverty and ensuring the general wellbeing of its people. It called on the international community to support the efforts of Benin in order to achieve the MDG targets. 40. Egypt welcomed Benin’s commitments with the various mechanisms of the Human Rights Council, including the UPR. It commended Benin on the significant progress made in the area of democracy and in the promotion and protection of human rights noting that democracy in Benin, based on multi-partyism, is an example of stability despite its lack of resources and national capacities. It also commended Benin on the high level of ratification of international and regional human rights instruments and the establishment of the normative and institutional framework necessary. These measures reflect Benin’s commitment to ensuring the promotion and protection of human rights, in particular economic, social and cultural rights. Egypt asked whether, in the context of its appeal for international support to strengthen its capacity in the field of human rights, Benin has identified specific measures or projects, according to its national priorities, which could be covered by the international assistance. In that regard, it indicated that a voluntary fund for the UPR has been established and devoted specifically to the implementation of the outcome of the UPR, and asked if Benin could present to the Human Rights Council with such list a before the adoption of the final outcome of the review in June. It also asked if Benin plans to ratify the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities. 41. Tunisia noted with interest the presentation and report on the legislative and institutional framework adopted by Benin for the promotion and protection of human rights, and welcomed the determination to continue the reforms undertaken over the last few years with a view of establishing the rule of law and the respect for human rights. It noted the various draft laws under examination, including on the freedom of the press and the decriminalization of offences related thereto. Among the various measures, it also noted those aimed at increasing the rate of school attendance through