A/HRC/18/16 42. On the question of coordination between domestic and international human rights mechanisms, Sudan noted that there were many domestic mechanisms, including the Advisory Council on Human Rights (ACHR) which is composed of both governmental and non-governmental bodies. Also, the law establishing the independent National Commission on Human Rights has been passed and the appointment of members would take place soon. Furthermore, there are a number of national and international NGOs. Cooperation between domestic and international mechanisms is manifested in the two joint forums between the Government of the Sudan and UNMIS and UNAMID, three joint sub-forums in the three Darfur States as well as the Independent Expert on the human rights situation in the Sudan, appointed by the Council. All these mechanisms work independently and without any influence from the Government to tackle human rights issues in Sudan. 43. With regard to Sudan's efforts in dealing with situation in the Darfur, the delegation noted that negotiation was the basis for the solution of the problem in Darfur. The delegation also noted that there was a new strategy encompassing peace, security and development in Darfur with components for the return of internally displaced refugees to their homeland. 44. On the questions of oversight of detention by the national security apparatus and freedom of expression for the press and journalists, the delegation noted that the legal system in the Sudan was made up of legislation passed by Parliament after various stages of legal reviews. The National Security Forces Act of 2010 was not an exception in this process. The Minister of Justice has appointed an Attorney/Prosecutor to monitor detention by the NISS and the Prosecutor is working independently and impartially. Also, aggrieved persons can have recourse to the Constitutional Court. 45. In relation to freedom of expression, the delegation noted that there are 60 daily newspaper published in Sudan, 37 of which are political papers that publish on a daily basis critical articles on the activities of the Government without pre-censorship. The detention of journalists is only ordered by the court in cases initiated by individuals affected by what is written in the newspapers; there is no political arrest, but rather arrest for the purpose of the law. 46. On the question of abolition of the death penalty, the delegation noted that the death penalty was practiced in the most restricted manner and imposed for the most serious crimes and it is associated with the right to practice religion as guaranteed by international human rights treaties. There are strict legal safeguards in trials of cases punishable by the death penalty. 47. Regarding the steps taken by the State to ensure access to education for all children, the delegation noted that there is a strategy in Sudan to make education free of charge and available to all children, including nomadic children. There is also a strategy for the education of girls. 48. With regard to empowerment of women, a national strategy was adopted in 2008 which covers all the aspects relating to the empowerment of women, including legislative, health, education and participation in the decision making. Regarding wage equality between men and women, equal pay for equal work has been in place for a long time. Women in Sudan are subject to the same terms of employment and have the same opportunities as men to apply for public posts. Participation of women in political life is further enhanced by the allocation of the 25 per-cent quota in national and state parliaments. Consequently, there are 112 female members in the national Parliament and 200 female members in state parliaments. Furthermore, women are also in many high-level positions in Sudan. 49. Spain praised the conducting of the referendum on the independence of Southern Sudan and expressed concern over the increased violence in Darfur against civilians. It 8