A/HRC/8/42 Page 7 27. Referencing Pakistan’s already adopted legal instruments to eradicate sexual abuse and trafficking and the “Child Protection Bill”, Belgium noted that trafficking and sexual abuse of children is widespread and largely unaddressed. Belgium enquired about what concrete measures Pakistan will take to enforce current laws, and recommended (a) that Pakistan address more effectively address the issues of child abuse, child trafficking, sexual exploitation and involuntary servitude by strict enforcement of national legislation adopted in conformity with relevant international instruments, and through the adoption and implementation of a comprehensive action plan to combat these issues, including awareness- raising and education of parents, law enforcement staff and members of the judiciary. Belgium stated that due to abuse of the blasphemy law, a disproportional amount of non-Muslim minorities are accused, and, despite legal amendments, are arrested, charged and subjected to lengthy detentions before allegations are investigated. Belgium recommended that (b) Pakistan review the legislation on blasphemy to align it with the principles of freedom of thought, conscience and religion and inter alia relevant obligations under the ICCPR. Meanwhile, enforcement has to respect international standards and must not have a discriminatory character. 28. The Holy See recommended that Pakistan ratify ICCPR as soon as possible and subsequently adjust its national laws in accordance with its international obligations. It stated that the blasphemy laws, by providing only a vague definition of the offence, requiring no evidence other than the accusation of one person, and being regularly misused by extremists to target religious minorities, are in violation of the ICCPR, and enquired about plans to bring them in line with the Covenant and the Constitution. Noting discrimination against minorities, it asked about plans to raise awareness among the population, the police and military forces about the fact that minorities have the same civil rights as all Pakistanis. 29. South Africa noted the growth of the GDP and stated that this might contribute to the progressive realization of economic, social and cultural rights. It asked about Pakistan’s strategies and programmes regarding the issue of the deep-rooted tribal and traditional mind sets as constraints to women’s empowerment. Noting that illiteracy is major challenge, South Africa asked about measures to ensure access to education at all levels to the girl child. It also asked about Pakistan’s intention to sign the Rome Statute of the International Criminal Court. South Africa recommended that Pakistan enhance efforts to provide adequate housing and address the identified backlog in this regard. 30. The United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland enquired about the status of the bill on the creation of a national commission to monitor human rights violations and (a) recommended that the commission conform to the Paris Principles. The United Kingdom enquired about the practical measures planned to ensure ICESCR, ICCPR and CAT are each ratified and implemented, ensuring discriminatory laws are repealed and rights of non-Muslim minorities safeguarded. Specifically, once the treaties are ratified, the United Kingdom asked about what steps Pakistan will take to investigate arbitrary arrests, enforced disappearances, extrajudicial killings and torture perpetrated by security forces. The United Kingdom asked about the steps Pakistan is taking to implement the General Assembly’s moratorium on the death penalty and (b) recommended Pakistan review the death penalty with the intention of introducing a moratorium and abolishing it. (c) Welcoming the 2006 Women’s Protection Act, the United Kingdom recommended the process continue by ensuring its full compatibility with CEDAW, and (d) recommended repealing Hadood and Zina Ordinances; and (e) that civil society be involved in follow-up to the Universal Periodic Review process. 31. Portugal welcomed the Government’s cooperation with the Special Rapporteur on violence against women during her visit, as well as the recognition that incidents do take place on account of deep-rooted tribal and traditional mindsets and recommended that Pakistan maintain its commitment to overcome such barriers. While welcoming the National Action Plan and the Gender