A/HRC/15/7 Committee would recommend that the head of State exercise his prerogative of mercy in commuting it to life imprisonment. The delegation stated that, in reality, capital punishment did not exist in Lesotho, although it remained in the statute book. 70. The delegation stated that as regards local government elections, which were supposed to be held in 2010, there was an agreement with all stakeholders to delay this election in order to clarify and straighten out certain issues as regards the local councils. On the issue of freedom of expression, it is enshrined in the constitution. While exercising it towards other people, the prescribed limitations on such cases will be decided by the courts. 71. The delegation stated that it was taken aback by the questions regarding the independence of the judiciary, as Lesotho was proud of its independent and free judiciary, which drew inspiration from the Constitution. The Government availed itself of all resources at its disposal to protect and enhance the independence of the judiciary. 72. As regards children and justice, Lesotho remained ready to support the rights of children, as it regarded them as the future. Lesotho was working tirelessly to reform the justice sector and to be more sensitive in its treatment of children who had come into contact with the law. It had developed units within the police service to care for such children and conducted related training programmes for judges, prosecutors and magistrates. Lesotho, with the assistance of the United Nations, was carrying out sustained sensitization programmes to provide care for children in contact with the justice system, in compliance with the relevant United Nations guidelines. 73. Slovenia commended achievements in the area of gender equality, including the high percentage of women in Parliament. Despite progress, it expressed concern about reported discrimination against women, permitted under customary and common law. Slovenia was pleased to know that the draft Children’s Protection and Welfare Bill was before Parliament. It expressed concern about the reported use of children for the production and trafficking of drugs, and referred to recommendation of the ILO Committee of Experts. Slovenia made recommendations. 74. Spain highlighted the measures promoting gender equality and the protection of children’s rights through the establishment of the Dependency of Protection of Women and Children in 2002 in the police force, as well as the Gender Department in the Ministry of Women. It made recommendations. 75. Hungary noted with concern that the impact of HIV/AIDS had adversely affected the effective realization of human rights in general and the human rights set out in CRC and CEDAW in particular. Hungary urged Lesotho to fully implement the principle of nondiscrimination regarding girls and women by improving, inter alia, their access to education and health. Referring to overdue national treaty body reports, it stressed that, while technical assistance might be necessary, it should not be a substitute for States’ primary responsibility in terms of protecting and promoting human rights. Hungary made recommendations. 76. Slovakia highlighted a report indicating rising levels of gender-based violence. It welcomed the establishment of the Department of Gender, providing, inter alia, an outreach centre for abused women and children, and the setting up of the Child and Gender Protection Unit and the Victims of Crime Support Office. It stated that the minimum age of criminal responsibility, currently 7 years, was very low. It referred to a 2007 report indicating a high incidence of the sexual abuse of children. Slovakia made recommendations. 77. Italy expressed concern at the persistence of customary practices in contrast with the rights of women and the widespread phenomenon of violence against women and girls, including domestic and sexual violence. It welcomed the de facto moratorium on the death 11