A/HRC/17/16 78. Chile recognized progress and noted remaining challenges with regard to domestic violence and gender equality, as well as poverty. Chile indicated that it is important that the international community makes efforts to respond to the request for technical assistance made by Mozambique in its national report. Chile made recommendations. 79. China noted with appreciation that Mozambique had achieved positive results in poverty reduction, health and education. It also appreciated the sincere attitude of the Government in explaining the problems and challenges in terms of poverty elimination and AIDS prevention. China called upon the international community to strengthen international assistance and technical support in the above fields. China made a recommendation. 80. Luxembourg referred to the serious problems with access to water and sanitation especially in remote and rural areas. It raised concerns regarding the situation of women, especially those living in isolated areas, stricken by poverty and illiteracy. It also stressed the poor conditions in prisons, characterized by overcrowding, contagious and endemic diseases and violence. Luxembourg made recommendations. 81. Sweden, while welcoming positive steps taken, noted that women still faced discrimination, including with regard to their personal status, ownership rights and employment. Sweden referred to reports that Mozambican police were responsible for human rights violations and that victims and their families had received no information regarding the progress of investigations and had been left without remedies or justice. Sweden made recommendations. 82. Latvia noted that several special procedures mandate holders have visited Mozambique during the last five years. It noted that another two requests for visits have been agreed upon and two other requests are still pending. Latvia made a recommendation in this regard. 83. Congo noted positively Mozambique’s cooperation with United Nations mechanisms and the African Commission on Human and Peoples Rights, its efforts to promote the rights of women and the decrease in mortality due to malaria. Congo referred to reported difficulties, such as in the prison system, and Mozambique’s efforts to solve them as well as the country’s request for technical assistance. Congo made a recommendation. 84. On questions relating to corruption, Mozambique, clarified that it had adopted a number of initiatives including training, dissemination of information, and disciplinary and criminal measures. Mozambique added that an anti-corruption “package” is currently being developed and provided detailed information in this regard. It also indicated that relevant laws are being reviewed. 85. Regarding questions on the issue of sexual orientation, Mozambique stated that its Constitution makes no reference to sexual orientation. The country is confronted with profoundly entrenched cultural and religious habits and such issues are recent and have only begun to be faced now. It was added that homosexuality is not criminalized, as there is no such definition in the Criminal Code, so that no one can be sanctioned for homosexuality. It was added, regarding freedom of association, that there was no restriction in this regard. 86. On the issue of access to water, Mozambique explained that many efforts have been made and that these have resulted in significant progress. Detailed information was provided on measures adopted and on the situation in the country. 87. In conclusion, Mozambique thanked participants for the very positive interaction and the encouragement received. 12