A/HRC/38/7 the north of the country. Courts destroyed in the aftermath of the events of 2012 had been rebuilt, and justice was again being administered throughout the country. In addition, Mali was seeking to bring into operation the International Commission of Inquiry provided for in the Agreement on Peace and Reconciliation. 67. The delegation noted that a permanent secretariat had been set up to monitor the implementation of the National Gender Policy and a high-level council on the National Gender Policy had also been established. In addition, the number of female communal councillors in Mali had risen from 9 per cent in 2009 to 25 per cent in 2016. 68. The delegation stated that a preliminary draft of a bill on gender-based violence was in the process of being adopted and that over 8,000 cutters in more than 12,000 villages had decided to stop performing female genital mutilation. In addition, a public awareness day was held every year on 6 February to encourage people to give up the practice of excision. 69. With regard to child soldiers, the delegation referred to a 2013 instrument for the prevention, protection and return to their families of child members of armed forces and related groups, the adoption of a document with the support of the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) and the adoption of Act No. 2016-058 of 2016, the Wards of the State Act. 70. Act No. 21-2017 had amended the Labour Code to raise the minimum age of employment from 14 to 15. 71. Mali had adopted a law designating the National Human Rights Commission as its national mechanism for the prevention of torture. As such, the Commission would conduct regular visits to places of deprivation of liberty. Mali had also begun building new prisons to relieve overcrowding. 72. Benin expressed appreciation for the efforts taken by Mali to re-establish democracy and the rule of law. It urged Mali to take further action to promote and protect human rights and invited the international community to provide Mali with support in those efforts and for social and economic development. 73. The Plurinational State of Bolivia expressed appreciation for the efforts of Mali to bring about peace and reconciliation, including among State structures, public bodies, national human rights institutions and civil society organizations. 74. Botswana commended the continued efforts of Mali to strengthen democratic institutions and restore the constitutional order. It welcomed in particular the adoption of the law on the establishment of the National Human Rights Commission, as well as measures to protect the rights of children. 75. Brazil expressed its support for the establishment of the Truth, Justice and Reconciliation Commission. It remained concerned about the persistent security challenges in the northern and central areas of the country and the increased number of attacks against civilians, and their negative impact on the enjoyment of human rights by women and children. 76. Burkina Faso welcomed the transitional justice process and the peace agreement. It urged all parties to redouble their efforts for their quick and integrated application. It called on the international community to support Mali with the technical assistance requested. 77. Cabo Verde welcomed the establishment of the National Human Rights Commission and the Ministry of Human Rights and State Reform, and the adoption of measures to promote gender equality. It urged the international community to continue supporting the implementation of the peace agreement. 78. Canada welcomed the creation of the National Human Rights Commission and the signing of the peace agreement. Canada asked how Mali planned to speed up the implementation of the agreement, and expressed concern about the impact that the deteriorating security situation in central Mali had on human rights. 79. Chad welcomed the creation of the National Human Rights Commission, which also served as the national preventive mechanism. It expressed appreciation for the strengthened efforts to eradicate female genital mutilation and for measures taken regarding economic 8 GE.18-06102