A/HRC/14/6 custody, arbitrary detention, media restrictions and the criminalization of media-related offences. Australia also noted with concern reports concerning the widespread practice of female genital mutilation, domestic violence and sexual abuse. Australia made recommendations. 41. India appreciated the Gambia’s progress in the area of human rights and welcomed bills on women and elections. India praised the establishment of the National Planning Commission and the adoption of the Poverty Reduction and Growth Strategy. It encouraged ratification of the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities and of the two Optional Protocols to the Convention of the Rights of the Child. India requested information about the achievement of the Millennium Development Goals and the strengthening of the administration of justice. India urged the establishment of a national human rights institution in conformity with the Paris Principles. 42. Turkey hoped that the full implementation of the Poverty Reduction and Growth Strategy would enable the Gambia to make significant progress in achieving the Millennium Development Goals. Turkey suggested the establishment of an independent human rights commission. It also suggested expanding the Ombudsman’s mandate or establishing a separate mechanism to address complaints involving violations of children’s rights. It commended the adoption of the Children’s Act, the Child Trafficking Law and the national plan of action on the trafficking in persons. It encouraged the Gambia to consider abolishing the death penalty. Turkey made recommendations. 43. Belarus noted that the Gambian constitution was a strong basis for the legal protection of human rights. It noted with satisfaction the various legislative developments relating to children’s rights. Belarus noted that the socio-economic situation and poverty were challenges and underlined that the Gambia should request technical assistance from the United Nations. Belarus shared the concerns of treaty bodies and UNICEF relating to children’s and women’s rights, and made recommendations. 44. While commending the 2005 Children’s Act, Slovenia noted with concern that social and cultural norms hindered its implementation, as corporal punishment, female genital mutilation, early and forced marriage and domestic violence remained widespread. Slovenia expressed concern at violence against girls, children born out of wedlock, children with disabilities, child labourers, street children, violence against women and gender inequality. Slovenia made recommendations. 45. Germany expressed concern about reports of unlawful arrests and the detention of Government critics. It cited the concerns of the Special Rapporteur on torture regarding several journalists and other persons detained in connection with the assumed coup d’etat in 2006. Germany asked how that issue had evolved and about steps to avoid unlawful arrests and detention. It asked how the Government was guaranteeing independence of the judiciary, citing concerns in that regard. Germany made recommendations. 46. France inquired about measures considered to prevent and punish abusive restrictions on freedom of opinion, expression and peaceful assembly and to guarantee free and transparent elections. France expressed concerns at the situation of lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender persons, and asked whether the Gambia intended to modify the Penal Code in that regard. France referred to the freedom of expression, to the protection of human rights defenders and to disappearance cases and made recommendations in that regard. 47. Spain welcomed the Gambia’s progress, particularly with regard to gender policy and the adoption of relevant legislation. Spain recognized the significant efforts made by the authorities in the fight against trafficking in persons. Spain made recommendations. 8