A/HRC/14/6 33. Pakistan noted that the Gambia was party to a number of human rights instruments and mechanisms. It welcomed the fact that the Constitution stipulated that the enjoyment of rights should not be at the expense of the rights of others. Pakistan commended steps taken to promote and protect women’s rights. It noted efforts to ensure that schools were accessible to learners, but cited challenges that had led to limited accessibility at higher education levels. Pakistan made recommendations. 34. Brazil cited the Gambian report, which indicated efforts undertaken to promote human rights and address the challenges faced by the country, in particular poverty. Brazil noted that the Gambia faced difficulties in fulfilling its reporting obligations related to human rights instruments and encouraged it to seek assistance from OHCHR. Brazil asked the Gambia in which areas the international community could better assist it, and made recommendations. 35. Hungary commended the Gambia’s involvement of civil society in the preparation of its national report. Hungary expressed concern at the Gambia’s non-compliance with its treaty body reporting obligations and its lack of full cooperation with special procedures. With regard to the reintroduction of the death penalty, Hungary inquired about policy guidelines and plans concerning its application. It asked about planned legislation against female genital mutilation, in accordance with requests from the Committee on the Elimination of Discrimination against Women and the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF). Hungary made a recommendation. 36. The Islamic Republic of Iran noted that, while the Gambia lacked a national human rights commission, the Ombudsman was constitutionally empowered to investigate allegations of maladministration, mismanagement or discriminatory practices in Government departments and public bodies, as well as complaints of injustice, corruption, abuse of power and unfair treatment by a public officer in the exercise of official duties. Iran made recommendations. 37. Egypt acknowledged the Gambian commitment to reducing poverty, providing free and compulsory education and ensuring access to health services, despite a lack of adequate resources. Egypt commended the Gambia for its legislative efforts relating to children’s rights and for the attention given to women’s rights, including the strengthening of the national institutional and legal infrastructure. Egypt welcomed the Gambia’s announcement regarding the ongoing review of the Ombudsman’s mandate and made recommendations. 38. Slovakia referred to the excessive use of force by law enforcement officials, including unlawful arrests and detentions, torture of detainees, enforced disappearances and extrajudicial executions. Slovakia expressed concern at persistent intimidation, attacks and arrests with regard to human rights defenders. It underlined the deplorable conditions in detention centres and recalled allegations of ill treatment reported by the Human Rights Committee. Slovakia noted that the Gambia was not party to a number of principal international human rights instruments. Slovakia made recommendations. 39. Canada welcomed the positive steps taken regarding women’s and children’s rights, including the Women’s Bill, the Children’s Act and the Child Trafficking Law. It commended the Gambia’s campaign against female genital mutilation, but noted that the practice remained widespread and that there was no legislation banning it or domestic violence. Canada deplored severe legislative restrictions on freedom of expression and reports concerning the unlawful arrest and detention of journalists, human rights defenders and opposition members. It was alarmed at threats made by the President to kill human rights defenders. Canada made recommendations. 40. Australia commended the Gambia for measures taken to promote human rights, particularly children’s rights, notably through the Children’s Act and the Child Trafficking Law. Australia expressed concerned at allegations of extrajudicial executions, torture in 7