A/HRC/14/3 77. Belarus noted that the framework for human rights protection had been established and the human development plan had been approved. Despite limited resources, Nicaragua sought to ensure the rights to food, education and health, and the protection of women’s and children’s rights. Belarus made recommendations. 78. Thailand appreciated the efforts and commitment to human rights. It welcomed the fact that Nicaragua was party to most core international human rights treaties and that the Constitution guaranteed human rights. It welcomed human rights education and training for public employees and the army, as well as the establishment of the office of the procurator for the defence of human rights. It noted the progress made in health and the rights of vulnerable groups. It commended Nicaragua for free education and its literacy campaign, which had drastically reduced illiteracy, and efforts to guarantee the right to food. Thailand appreciated Nicaragua’s focus on poverty reduction, development and democracy. It made recommendations. 79. Chile noted the laws on citizen participation, protection of refugees, equality of rights and opportunities, sovereignty and food and nutritional security, as well as the ratification of optional protocols to the Convention against Torture and the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities. It commended the decision to forbid corporal punishment and humiliating treatment in schools. It welcomed the literacy campaign, which had reduced the illiteracy rate from 20 per cent in 2005 to 5 per cent in 2009. It made recommendations. 80. Bangladesh noted that Nicaragua was party to almost all core universal human rights treaties and its policies for the realization of human rights, particularly economic, social and cultural rights. It appreciated the initiatives to achieve coverage of social services and the progress in attaining universal literacy. Bangladesh noted Nicaragua was a developing country, with a huge population living in poverty and facing frequent natural disasters. Bangladesh made recommendations. 81. The Czech Republic welcomed the fact that Nicaragua was party to most core international human rights treaties. Regarding the Optional Protocol to the Convention against Torture, it asked about the functioning of the national preventive mechanism. It noted the large number of cases of harassment and intimidation of human rights defenders. It made recommendations. 82. Ireland welcomed the invitation to special procedures but was concerned by the high number of cases of death threats, physical intimidation and legal harassment of human rights defenders. It welcomed the efforts to fight violence against women, especially the national plan for prevention of domestic and sexual violence, noting however its frequent occurrence. It regretted the lack of access for these victims to the judicial process, as well as for the right to alimony and property. It expressed concern for the judges’ appointment procedure, the impartiality of sentences and lack of resources for judges. It made recommendations. 83. Malaysia commended the consultations with relevant stakeholders in the review process. It noted Nicaragua’s commitment to justice and respect for human rights, enshrined in the Constitution and legislation. Malaysia asked about the scope and content of the Children and Young Persons Code and the zero usury programme. Malaysia made recommendations. 84. Italy observed that Nicaragua faced a significant increase in cases of violence against women and killings of women, which frequently remain unpunished. It mentioned cases of harassment of human rights defenders and non-governmental organization activists, which might include physical harassment and defamation. It made recommendations. 13