A/HRC/26/4 emphasizing that perpetrators of violence against women would be prosecuted and punished. 60. Regarding elections and access to voting for women, the delegation noted that polling stations would be staffed by female workers and that women would be able to vote separately. 61. Regarding human rights defenders and female politicians, the Government had assigned three police protection officers to each provincial department of the Ministry of Women’s Affairs. Security forces had been trained and advised to take the necessary measures to support and protect female politicians. 62. The delegation emphasized that Afghanistan recognized and condemned violence against women and all other forms of discrimination against them. It affirmed the State’s commitment to implementing all international conventions to which Afghanistan was a party. 63. The delegation asserted that the people of Afghanistan were inspiring survivors and not hopeless victims. The Government remained firm in its commitment to implementing human rights standards and was constitutionally bound by all international treaties that it had ratified and by the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. 64. The delegation confirmed that the process for developing the national plan of action on women, peace and security included women at all levels of the negotiations and decision-making process. 65. Regarding the use of torture, the delegation stated that any confession obtained through any act of torture, inhuman or degrading treatment or punishment was not valid and was inadmissible as evidence in a court of law. All prison officers had guidelines that included instructions not to engage in torture; using torture to obtain a confession was punishable by law. 66. Ireland expressed its concern that the Elimination of Violence against Women Law had not been effectively implemented. 67. Italy asked whether relevant International Labour Organization (ILO) conventions and education measures would be implemented to address child labour. 68. Japan raised concerns about judicial delays and failures and about the torture of detainees. It commended measures promoting and protecting women’s rights. 69. Kazakhstan welcomed the incorporation of numerous provisions of international human rights treaties in domestic legislation. 70. Kuwait commended the establishment of the High Peace Council and human rights support units in ministries, as well as the development of a public health vision. 71. Latvia welcomed new legislation aimed at eliminating violence against women, and the State’s accession to the Rome Statute of the International Criminal Court. 72. Libya urged the Government, the international forces and the Taliban to refrain from targeting civilians and to reduce the number of civilian victims, particularly children and older people. 73. Lithuania expressed concern about violence against women, and about the proposed increased control of the media. 74. Malaysia welcomed measures to improve detention conditions, to prohibit the recruitment of child soldiers and to strengthen law enforcement. 8