A/HRC/13/13 violence against women. It was concerned about kidnappings and enforced disappearance of individuals. 65. The Lao People’s Democratic Republic noted progress in promoting economic, social and cultural rights and in addressing food security. It hoped that the Government will continue to fulfil its tasks of eradication of poverty and improving food security. 66. Sweden noted the cooperation of DPRK with the Committee on the Rights of the Child and collaboration with UNICEF and WHO to improve children’s health and education. Sweden expressed concerns regarding reports on forced labour, severe limits to freedom of information and reported restrictions to small-patch farming. 67. Italy was concerned about reports on public and extrajudicial executions and persecution for practicing a religion. It expressed concerns about reports of forced labour, very often involving children, despite the law prohibiting forced or compulsory labour and criminalizing child labour. 68. Ireland stressed that there is a genuine alarm at the extent of human suffering caused by human rights violations in DPRK. The Human Rights Council and the United Nations have the responsibility to continue paying close attention to these issues. It requested information about administration of justice issues and expressed a concern about persecution for practicing religion. 69. India noted that DPRK was commended by some treaty-bodies for its policy of providing 11 years of free compulsory education and its primary health care strategy. Concerns have been expressed about the quality of education, the severe impact of malnutrition on children, and the shortages and disparities in access to food. India requested information about plans to establish a national human rights institution, making easier travel abroad, and regular reunions of separated families. 70. Poland enquired about measures to secure the full enjoyment of the religious freedom. It referred to the existence of a large number of prison camps, the extensive use of forced labour and the harsh conditions imposed by the criminal justice system, giving rise to a plethora of abuses. 71. New Zealand expressed concerns about restrictions on freedoms of religion, expression, peaceful assembly and association, the right to privacy, equal access to information and the right to take part in the conduct of public affairs. The situation in labour camps, the incarceration of dissidents and their families and the continued use of torture, including public executions were matters of concern. It called on DPRK to work constructively with the Special Rapporteur on DPRK to help resolve human rights issues together. 72. Palestine noted that the Constitution guarantees full enjoyment of human rights to all citizens and that knowledge of human rights of the general public is high. Palestine appreciated the system of ensuring full access to health and education services and the commitment to international cooperation on human rights through positive dialogue. 73. Philippines noted achievements in education and women’s participation in economic, political, social and cultural life. Philippines enquired about the further plans to promote gender equality and the rights of women, and establish a national human rights institution. 74. Nigeria was encouraged that the Constitution provides protection of human rights. It was concerned on alleged human rights violations and hoped that the Government would address them. It supported the initiative of direct engagement by all to assist the government providing the enabling environment for the full enjoyment of human rights. 10