A/HRC/8/28 Page 6 of 2006 prohibit inhuman or degrading treatment or punishment of children, and also prohibit the detention of children under 15. In August 2005, all children in conflict with the law were transferred from the capital to “centres for restoration activities”. Furthermore, regular visits are conducted in all these facilities by the Council for the Welfare of Children. Education activities are also offered in them, including special education and development of technical skills. The challenge now is the establishment of more facilities at the local level. Following the recommendations of the United Nations Study on Violence against Children, the Philippines has launched a national programme of action on violence against children, and a Group on Violence against Children will monitor the activities of this programme. The Philippines has also enacted several laws to protect children, including against child labour. Concerning witness protection, a law has expanded the witness protection programme by providing the coverage of hospitalization costs and free education for the witnesses. Human rights defenders, as valuable members of the democratic process, are consulted in decision-making, legislation and programmes, are able to run for public office, and are resources for trainings for Government agencies, military and the judiciary. The database established by the CHRP allows everyone to share information through a directly accessible site. The collaboration between the Government and human rights defenders is illustrated by the recent support provided by the Government to a European Union initiative aimed at supporting civil society efforts in their role to address killings of activists and journalists. B. Interactive dialogue and responses by the State under review 13. During the ensuing interactive dialogue, several delegations commended the Philippines on the commitment, constructive and consultative approach and report to the UPR process. 41 delegations made statements. 14. New Zealand commended the Philippines for its willingness to engage in frank dialogue and share its experience in identifying and overcoming human rights challenges with others. It asked the delegation to provide further information on steps taken to address the gaps in matching the location of services to combat violence against women and their children with the incidences of violence that occur by region. New Zealand recommended that the Philippines continue to develop a gender-responsive approach to issues of violence against women and continue to build a supportive environment for women and children within the judicial system, which should take into account the special needs for rehabilitation and post-conflict care of women and children in vulnerable situations and conflict areas. 15. Pakistan noted the extensive consultative process and stated that an important indicator of the Philippines’ dedication to the UPR mechanism and to the cause of human rights is the supervision of this process from the top, namely through the Presidential Human Rights Committee (PHRC). It highlighted the valuable contribution of the Philippines to regional and international human rights norm setting, especially in areas such as the rights of women and migrant workers. It also welcomed national efforts made to address concerns highlighted by treaty bodies and special procedures in areas such as violence against women, treatment of human rights defenders, extrajudicial killings and enforced disappearances. It requested that the Philippines share its experience in coordinating human rights issues through the PHRC and provide additional information on the specific powers it exercises vis-à-vis other judicial, executive and legislative mechanisms. 16. India commended the Philippines for the efforts it has made in the promotion and protection of human rights and asked for further details on (a) functions, powers and appointment procedures of national human rights mechanisms/institutions such as the Barangay Human Rights