A/HRC/14/11 but that it was disappointed to hear that OHCHR had been obliged to cease its operations in Angola. It also expressed concern about reports concerning increased restrictions on freedom of expression, association and assembly, as well as State control over civil society organizations. The United Kingdom made recommendations. 62. The Netherlands was concerned about widespread domestic violence and noted that the Government had created family counselling centres to assist victims. The Netherlands was also concerned that, despite efforts undertaken by the Government, access to justice remained limited and the judiciary weak. It noted that forced evictions had reportedly taken place without prior notice or the provision of alternative housing or adequate compensation. The Netherlands regretted that OHCHR had ceased its activity in 2008, after the authorities had announced their decision not to sign a comprehensive agreement for human rights promotion and protection. The Netherlands made recommendations. 63. Malaysia was encouraged to note that many positive efforts had been taken to ensure respect for human rights and fundamental freedoms in the country. However, it noted that certain areas could benefit from greater attention, such as, inter alia, the issue of the trafficking in persons, especially women and girls, sexual exploitation and child prostitution. Malaysia made recommendations. 64. India acknowledged the challenges and constraints of Angola in guaranteeing human rights in the wake of a long civil war. It took positive note of the significant progress towards the consolidation of peace made in the brief period of relative stability over the past few years, namely, the holding of multiparty general elections in 2008 and the promulgation of a new Constitution. It noted the increased public investment in the social sector and the considerable impact that it had had in the crucial areas of health care and primary school enrolment, as well as the progress that had been made with regard to gender equality. India encouraged Angola to continue to strengthen its judicial administration and penal systems and to expand the participation of civil society in all policy processes. It also urged Angola to establish a national human rights institution and requested information about the new mining code and about any additional measures to curb the trafficking in children. 65. Spain very much welcomed the possibility that Angola would sign the Second Optional Protocol to ICCPR, aimed at the abolishment of the death penalty, and the adoption of the project entitled “Water for All”, with the collaboration of the United Nations Children’s Fund, the United Nations Development Programme, the International Organization for Migration and the International Labour Organization. Likewise, Spain welcomed the possibility that Angola would shortly sign ICERD and CAT. It also invited Angola to intensify its awareness-raising campaigns regarding sexual violence and its training programmes on human rights for national officers. Spain made recommendations. 66. Australia welcomed the fact that peace had been maintained since 2002, but was saddened by the recent attack on the Togolese football team in the Cabinda enclave and remained concerned by ongoing reports of the arbitrary arrest, detention, intimidation and harassment of human rights defenders. It encouraged Angola to address child trafficking and labour and accusations of child witchcraft. It expressed concern about slum clearance, forced eviction and insufficient protection for internally displaced persons. It referred to the issues of maternal mortality, gender-based violence, HIV/AIDS infection and lack of humanitarian access to prisoners. Australia made recommendations. 67. Lebanon commended the efforts made by Angola since 2002 to overcome the devastating and painful effects of decades of civil war, which had been preceded by colonial domination. It welcomed the Government’s plan to embark on judicial reforms. Lebanon made recommendations. 10 GE.10-12527

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