A/HRC/17/15 development of a coordination framework for the stakeholders involved and the establishment of legal clinics. An annual 16-day campaign against such violence had also been conducted. 51. In its efforts to implement the Convention on the Rights of the Child, in addition to setting up an appropriate legal framework for the purpose of combating all forms of child exploitation, the Government had instituted several other measures. It had, in particular, set up a national child protection office, implemented a national action plan for child survival, protection and development (2006–2010) and finalized the draft children’s code. 52. Niger had always cooperated with special procedures mandate holders. It had sent invitations to some of them and was open to the idea of inspections by other United Nations bodies. It was committed to inviting special rapporteurs each time the need arose. 53. In 1985, Niger had ratified the 1961 Convention on the Reduction of Statelessness. 54. Niger had a legal and institutional framework that guaranteed freedom of the press, which was also enshrined in the new Constitution. Laws relating to press offences had been repealed. A communication observatory and a fund to assist privately-supported media had been set up. In addition, a charter on access to public information had been adopted. 55. The practice of Wahaya persisted because marriage was principally governed by customary law. Adoption of a family code would make it possible to eliminate that practice. Niger had adopted a law on quotas, under which administrative offices were obliged to appoint a fixed number of women or risk legal proceedings. An evaluation would be conducted soon. 56. In 2007, Niger had adopted a national literacy and non-formal education policy aimed at raising the literacy rate in rural areas and among women. The 1998 Education Act guaranteed education for girls aged 4 to 18 despite the disparities between regions and between boys and girls. There was currently a national office for the promotion of young girls’ education. 57. The United States of America commended measures taken to improve human rights despite enormous challenges. It welcomed the alignment of national legislation with international obligations but noted it had not ensured that all Niger’s residents enjoyed fundamental freedoms. It expressed concern over trafficking in persons and asked about the status ordinance No. 2010-86 in this regard. It noted Niger’s efforts for labour code reform and asked about legislation to combat child labour. It made recommendations. 58. Malaysia appreciated Niger’s candid recognition of the various political and institutional challenges faced by the Government in its effort to improve the social development and to promote and protect human rights. It was convinced that with strong commitment, persistent efforts and continuous constructive engagement with the international community, Niger will be able to make progress in many areas that will contribute to the overall improvement of the standard of living of the people in the country. Malaysia made recommendations. 59. Switzerland congratulated Niger for its progress in human rights promotion and protection despite its political and institutional upheavals. Switzerland noted that Niger continued to sentence offenders to death, although the last execution was carried out in 1976. Switzerland was concerned at confirmed excessive use of force, torture and extrajudicial executions and referred to the rights of the child. Switzerland made recommendations. 60. Australia welcomed progress made by the Transitional Government in returning Niger to democracy. It noted that, in spite of a de facto moratorium, the death penalty remains in Niger’s law and that death sentences continue to be imposed by courts. Australia GE.11-12306 9