A/HRC/14/6 discriminatory comments made by Gambian authorities concerning homosexuals. Italy made recommendations. 69. Sweden expressed concern that consensual sexual activity between persons of the same sex was forbidden by law in the Gambia and punishable by 14 years of imprisonment, and that Government representatives had publicly called for violence and discrimination against homosexuals. It noted that laws had restricted freedom of expression and of the media, citing reports that journalists faced difficulties in their work, that media outlets had been shut down or banned and that journalists had disappeared or had left the country to seek asylum elsewhere. Sweden made recommendations. 70. The Netherlands welcomed the fact that Gambia was party to most core human rights instruments and asked for further information about witchcraft and the independence of judges. While welcoming the constitutional prohibition of gender discrimination, it noted that it did not apply to personal laws. The Netherlands echoed concerns relating to freedom of expression. It also noted the criminalization of same-sex activities and asked for further information about the operations of the National Intelligence Agency. The Netherlands made recommendations. 71. While noting challenges faced by the Gambia, Thailand commended progress made in the field of human rights, particularly in the country’s human rights legislation. While welcoming the Women’s Bill, Thailand noted the ongoing challenges related to discrimination against women, domestic violence, female genital mutilation, forced marriage and maternal mortality. Thailand made recommendations. 72. The Congo noted with appreciation the Government’s efforts to promote and protect human rights in a difficult financial and socio-economic context and encouraged the continuation of those efforts. It cited the adoption of laws concerning children and the trafficking in children, in keeping with international instruments. It called for particular attention concerning the practice of female genital mutilation, noting that social, educational and legal measures were required for its elimination. The Congo made a recommendation. 73. The Democratic Republic of the Congo highlighted the fact that the Gambia had a legal and institutional framework to protect human rights and congratulated it on being party to core human rights and International Labour Organizatnio (ILO) instruments. Poverty reduction remained the main challenge faced by the Gambia. It inquired about measures taken to ensure harmonization among common, customary and Shari’ah laws and those aimed at enhancing the general conditions of women. It made recommendations. 74. Iraq noted that the Gambia’s voluntary commitments constituted an important step towards spreading a culture of human rights. Iraq requested information about national mechanisms aimed at ensuring the right to freedom of religion and belief, nondiscrimination and the role of the judiciary in protecting those rights. 75. Ukraine commended the Gambia’s efforts and achievements in the field of human rights, particularly in developing national legislation. It asked if there were plans to draft legislation on domestic violence and forced marriage. It also asked what additional measures were being taken to protect children’s rights and ensure the quality of education. Ukraine made a recommendation. 76. Bahrain noted that the Gambia had adopted policies and programmes to protect all human rights and had established the institutional framework for formulating policies and programmes to promote gender equality. Bahrain asked for further information about the steps taken to ensure their effectiveness. Bahrain appreciated the efforts made in the area of civic education and asked for further details about the measures taken in that regard through the National Council for Civic Education. 11