A/HRC/12/6 page 13 human rights in particular of women, children and persons of minority ethnicity, sexual orientation or gender identity to all law enforcement and judicial officials. Regarding protection from torture, it commended the Congo for signing CAT-OP in 2008 and recommended (c) early ratification of CAT-OP and the establishment of a national preventive mechanism. Further in this area, it recommended the following: (d) review conditions in all prisons and detention facilities with a view of ensuring their compliance with the Minimum Standards of Treatment of Prisoners, in particular to establish separate juvenile detention facilities; (e) ensure effective investigation of and accountability for all cases of torture and death in detention. As to the protection of human rights of asylum seekers, it recommended that the Congo (f) prepare and adopt a national legislation establishing an effective asylum procedure and ensuring protection of all human rights of these persons. Finally, it recommended to (g) decriminalize same-sex sexual activity between consenting adults and adopt measures to promote tolerance in this regard, which would also facilitate more effective educational programmes for the prevention of HIV/AIDS. 60. Senegal noted in the report the challenges the Congo faces with regard the promotion and protection of human rights in various areas such as education, health care, judiciary, human rights legislation, and assistance to vulnerable persons. It commended the spirit of openness and the genuine desire of the authorities of the Congo to improve its human rights situation, not without the support of the international community. Senegal asked for more information of measures taken or envisaged to better combat violence against them. It also asked if Congo is planning to accede to other international human rights instruments. 61. Cuba noted the establishment as of June 2008 of arrangements for free treatment for those living with HIV/AIDS but also malaria and tuberculosis. In the field of education, Cuba noted the efforts of the Congolese Government despite the limited resources. The strengthening of international cooperation to relief its external debt and fulfilment of ODA commitments could significantly contribute to providing the country with resources to confront several of the identified challenges. Cuba recommended Congo to continue in the protection of the rights of people affected by HIV/AIDS, including through the approval of the bill approved by the Government for the protection of persons living with HIV/AIDS, which is now under consideration by the Council of Ministers. 62. Japan asked about the efforts to ensure fair and transparent function and guarantee the political rights of citizens at the July elections. Japan noted that issues such as the prevalence of infectious diseases like HIV/AIDS, inadequate medical care for mothers and children, and lack of access to safe drinking water, pose a large problem for Congo but applauded the efforts made with the cooperation of international organizations and donors to improve health care. It noted that concerns remain over whether these measures have been effectively implemented. Japan recommended Congo (a) to make further improvement efforts on this front. Japan noted further efforts are needed for working towards equal-opportunity education. In addition, concern was raised regarding sexual exploitation of children, including child pornography, and child labour. Japan asked what concrete measures, including provisions in the legal system being taken to address these specific concerns regarding the rights of the child. Japan commended the creation of a Ministry for the Advancement of Women and the Integration of Women into Development and a quota system for women candidates running for elected office but noted that unequal