A/HRC/39/10 adoption of the Act in 2014, the Commission was fully compliant with the principles relating to the status of national institutions for the promotion and protection of human rights (Paris Principles), and steps have been taken with a view to obtaining its “A” status accreditation. In addition, the National Human Rights Commission enjoys full independence and receives support in the form of material and human resources from the Government, thereby enabling it to carry out its functions. 11. With a view to further promoting human rights, Djibouti has also established the National Anti-Corruption Commission and the National Commission on Communication. 12. Djibouti pays particular attention to the freedoms of expression and information, given the challenge posed by hate speech and extremism. Along these lines, Djibouti is host to the regional Centre of Excellence in Preventing and Countering Violent Extremism of the Intergovernmental Authority on Development and the East African Community. 13. In 2014, in an effort to keep the peace, the Government signed an agreement aimed at resolving the crisis involving the opposition coalition known as the Union pour le Salut National following the 2013 parliamentary elections. An amnesty was granted to persons who committed offences related to the elections, and a law setting out regulations on the opposition was promulgated. 14. With regard to the freedom of association, Djibouti stated that the Constitution and the Act of 1901 serve to promote the development of an active civil society, which is composed of over 600 associations. 15. Regarding the right to health, Djibouti has developed a universal health insurance plan, in respect of which the poorest members of the population are not required to pay contributions. Moreover, persons living in rural areas receive regular medical care, thanks in part to the mobile clinic project. The Ministry of Health has made women and children the focus of its efforts, which has led to a sharp decline in child and maternal mortality. The system for HIV/AIDS screening and access to treatment for people living with HIV/AIDS have been improved. Over the past 10 years, the Government has significantly increased the number of health-care workers. 16. Djibouti has appealed to the international community to further increase cooperation in the health sector. 17. In the area of education, the Government has undertaken efforts to build schools and develop vocational training and higher education. 18. Efforts have also been focused on the issue of housing, and hundreds of houses for the poor have been built. 19. In order to ensure that every household has access to drinking water, Djibouti has carried out several major projects, such as the water and soil management programme and the construction of a desalination plant. 20. With regard to social issues, the Government has adopted a national anti-poverty strategy, known as Vision Djibouti 2035. An agricultural investment programme and a food and nutrition security programme were also introduced for the period 2016–2026. 21. In addition, new laws had been adopted: a law to raise the intertrade minimum wage (SMIG) and a law to make sexual assault in the workplace a criminal offence. Legislation had also been adopted to protect older persons, refugees and victims of trafficking. B. Interactive dialogue and responses by the State under review 22. During the interactive dialogue, 91 delegations made statements. Recommendations made during the dialogue are to be found in section II of the present report. 23. Turkey congratulated Djibouti for the peaceful parliamentary elections of February 2018 and welcomed efforts to reduce poverty. 24. Turkmenistan noted with interest the way in which Djibouti had incorporated recommendations from the previous review cycle into its policies, and positively assessed GE.18-11480 3

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