A/HRC/18/8 what progress had been achieved in developing multi-year plans to guide capacity-building for the judiciary and police. Ireland made recommendations. 35. Australia congratulated Solomon Islands for the conduct of its national election in 2010 and restated its support for future reform. It was pleased with the announcement of a standing invitation to the special procedures, recognized the progress achieved in Solomon Islands toward strengthening its justice system and noted the importance of consolidating those gains, as the regional assistance mission was to draw down. It noted that genderbased violence remained a significant problem. It welcomed the continuing commitment to pursue justice for victims of the “tensions” through the extension of the mandate of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission until 2012. It made recommendations. 36. Norway expressed concern that adolescents did not have adequate information on and access to health and, in particular, reproductive health. It was also concerned about reports that girls were traded as brides in exchange for payments. It noted that the country still maintained criminal sanctions against sexual activity between consenting adults of the same sex. Norway appreciated efforts made to end violence against women and reduce illiteracy. It made recommendations. 37. Hungary commended Solomon Islands for the establishment of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission and recognized steps made towards gender equality, in particular changes to the legal practices criminalizing sexual assault. However, it was concerned with the increasing number of cases of gender discrimination and violence against women and highlighted the lack of judicial redress, which perpetuated gender inequality. It noted achievements in ensuring the well-being of children but considered that child protection could be further improved through the prohibition of corporal punishment, ill-treatment or violence at home, at schools and all other contexts. Hungary made recommendations. 38. Brazil appreciated progress made in the country despite constraints posed by poverty, unemployment and climate change. It was encouraged by the possibility that Solomon Islands would attain the Millennium Development Goals on universal primary education. It also welcomed recent legislative measures to provide protection to refugees. Brazil noted, however, reports indicating that domestic and sexual violence against women and children remained major problems. It also noted with concern the low ages for criminal responsibility and employment. Brazil made recommendations. 39. France noted with satisfaction that the Truth and Reconciliation Commission had begun its work in 2010. It also highlighted that primary education, though free, was still not compulsory, that the number of girls attending schools was low and that qualified teachers rare. It noted the concerns by the Committee on the Rights of the Child regarding the low minimum age of criminal responsibility. It also expressed concern regarding the number of cases domestic violence and the fact the Criminal Code criminalizes consensual sexual. 40. Thailand noted efforts of Solomon Islands to promote and protect human rights despite many existing challenges. It welcomed the announcement of a standing invitation to the special procedures. It acknowledged steps taken to strengthen its domestic human rights institutions such the amendment of the Evidence Act in 2009. Nevertheless, it shared concerns with some international organizations regarding discriminatory practices and laws against women and girls. It also noted discrimination of other vulnerable groups. Thailand stated that it stood ready to continue cooperating with Solomon Islands in the area of capacity-building of human resources in the public sector. It made recommendations. 41. In responding to additional questions and comments, the delegation thanked speakers that had taken the floor for their comments, advice and recommendations. It noted that some issues had already been addressed in the opening statement and responses to advance questions received. 7