A/HRC/8/39 Page 6 human rights institution in accordance with the Paris Principles and commended Benin on the measures and legislation it has enacted to protect the rights of girls and women. It encouraged Benin to continue strengthening national protection mechanisms and policies aimed at promoting the rights of women and girls, and congratulated Benin for being an abolitionist State in practice. 14. The Russian Federation positively assessed the moratorium on the death penalty and efforts to combat poverty. It noted challenges referred to in the national report, such as the improvement of prison conditions, the prohibition of torture, the development of education, the elimination of discrimination against women and a comprehensive protection of the rights of children. It noted difficulties in submitting reports to treaty bodies, stressed the necessity to strengthen cooperation with special procedures, and asked whether Benin has requested technical assistance from OHCHR to improve compliance with its reporting obligations to treaty bodies. It also asked whether Benin is planning to introduce legislation prohibiting corporal punishment of children and what measures are being taken to eliminate harmful traditional practices affecting the health of women. 15. The Democratic Republic of the Congo commended Benin on the consultations held in the preparation of its national report and noted the measures undertaken in improving the living conditions of the population. It noted that Benin has experienced political stability and referred to the holding of the National Benin Conference. It stated that the achievements in Benin have retained their attention and noted with appreciation that the Persons and Family Code has enshrined the equality of all children before the law regardless of their affiliation status. It commended Benin on the loans given to poor women to ensure their financial autonomy through gainful employment. It also requested information on the issue of trafficking of children and on additional measures taken in that regard. 16. Guinea noted that Benin, as a developing country, has special needs to meet its commitments to consolidate its mechanisms and strengthen its capacity to protect and promote human rights, and indicated that it was desirable that the international community and the Human Rights Council assist Benin in its efforts to combat poverty and social inequality. It enquired about the role of the King in resolving conflicts in the country. 17. Mali welcomed Benin’s efforts to promote and protect human rights, and asked how Benin plans to settle the question of illiteracy, in particular amongst women, and about measures to eradicate the trafficking of children. It recommended that the international community assist Benin in the implementation of its human rights policy. 18. Canada noted with appreciation that Benin is at the top level of African countries with respect to freedom of expression and the press, but that despite its efforts, the country continues to be a source, a point of transit and a destination for victims of trafficking. Canada recommended to Benin to better apply the existing laws concerning trafficking in children and human beings. It noted concerns expressed by the Committee against Torture and the Human Rights Committee at allegations that torture and impunity were still common, and recommended that Benin define torture as a criminal offence in accordance with article 1 of CAT, and stipulate that obeying orders of superiors cannot justify the practice of torture. It further recommended that Benin investigate allegations of torture and ill- treatment and bring to justice those responsible, in line with international standards. With reference to the concerns raised by the Committee on the Rights of the Child and the Committee on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights (CESCR) that female genital mutilation (FGM) is still being practiced, Canada recommended that Benin accelerate and strengthen its efforts to elaborate laws and policies to deal with that practice. Canada also recommended establishing, as a priority, a reform of the judiciary by strengthening a justice system