A/HRC/12/6 page 5 16. The Government was trying to remedy the irregularities that had been observed in the organization of legislative and local elections, and was doing its utmost to ensure the success of the presidential elections scheduled for July 2009. To that end, it had held a civic consultation from 14 to 17 April 2009, which had brought together all political actors, including from the opposition, civil society, religious denominations and diplomatic representations, with the exception of the “radical” opposition, which had refused to take part in the event, even before the proceedings started, despite having participated in the preliminary discussions concerning the agenda and rules of procedure. The consultation had provided a forum for the objective assessment of past mistakes, and the establishment of guidelines to ensure that elections were organized more efficiently, in an atmosphere of total calm. B. Interactive dialogue and responses by the State under review 17. During the interactive dialogue, statements were made by 44 delegations, a number of which praised Congo for its presentation and commitment to the UPR process as well as for the involvement of various stakeholders in the preparation of the national report. Statements were also made congratulating Congo for its record on the ratification of international human rights instruments. 18. Brazil asked about the measures being taken to prevent stereotypical attitudes concerning the role and responsibilities of women and avoid discrimination against them and about the measures to prevent sexual exploitation of children and child labour. Brazil recommended that the Congo (a) reinforce women’s rights within the labour market; (b) accomplish progressively human right goals as set forth in Human Rights Council resolution 9/12. Brazil noted the Congo’s expectation of receiving technical assistance from the Human Rights Council and invited delegations to positively consider assisting the Congo in these endeavours. 19. Algeria noted that political commitment in relation to human rights is clear and that support of the international community remains, however, necessary. Algeria recommended that the Congo: (a) consider the appropriateness of taking measures to have the National Commission for Human Rights accredited by the International Coordinating Committee of National Institutions for the Promotion and Protection of Human Rights; (b) request support from the United Nations Programmes and Agencies to establish programmes and strategies for literacy and employment training for women in order to improve their conditions and their participation in the development of the country; (c) continue efforts undertaken in the area of protection and realization of the rights of the child, particularly regarding access to education. 20. France asked about the implementation of recommendations of the Special Rapporteur on contemporary forms of racism to prevent and punish violence against members of the Pygmy community. Also, it asked if the Congo intended to respond favourably to the proposal of UNHCR to establish a joint expert commission to review and amend the draft law on refugees. France recommended (a) to take all appropriate measure to eliminate all forms of discrimination against women, in particular in respect to property, the sharing and inheritance of land and access to education, the labour market and political life. France also recommended that the Congo (b) adopt laws prohibiting such practices as female genital mutilation and take focused