A/HRC/8/27 Page 13 67. Mexico encouraged the establishment of a national institution compliant with the Paris Principles and requested an update on Brazil’s reporting to the Committee against Torture and specifically recommended enhancing access to justice and improving the judicial system. 68. Angola raised concern about gender parity, namely the small percentage of women represented at senior levels in federal legislative and executive posts. Referring to Brazil’s national report, Angola mentioned the racial stigma against populations of African descent, and enquired about the legislative policies adopted by Brazil on this regard. Angola also raised the issue of education and its instrumental impact on combating poverty and social exclusion, and asked whether technical assistance would help Brazil improve its efforts in that domain. 69. Bangladesh noted with deep admiration the success of the Government in guaranteeing economic, social, cultural, civil and political rights for all its people. Bangladesh was pleased to note the remarkable success in reducing the scale of extreme poverty and in fighting HIV/AIDS. As a developing country, Bangladesh also realized that Brazil faces many challenges. It indicated concerns expressed by other delegations about domestic violence, disparities in accessing socio-economic opportunities, particularly by indigenous communities. Bangladesh noted that it is reassuring that the Government has taken these challenges seriously. Bangladesh asked Brazil about its view on the recommendation of the Committee on the Rights of the Child to request technical assistance in the area of juvenile justice and police training as well as for the establishment of an independent and effective human rights institution. 70. Egypt enquired about how Brazil reconciled the elaboration of its disaggregated statistics and its right to privacy of individuals. 71. Morocco welcomed efforts by Brazil to eradicate poverty, to promote education and to promote the rights of women. It also stressed the active participation of Brazil in the Human Rights Council, notably with regard to the initiative on voluntary goals. Morocco requested information on what innovative complementary measures the Government contemplates to better combat poverty. It wished to know whether there are guarantees for free exercise of religion. Lastly, referring to the national report, it requested more information on the national system of human rights indicators. 72. South Africa noted the efforts undertaken by Brazil in various human rights programmes, including matters related to the elimination of racism, xenophobia and intolerance. South Africa referred to Brazil’s programme adopted in 2004 to address the plight of Brazilians of Afro-descent. The delegation also mentioned Brazil’s Zero Tolerance Policy as a best practice on how to address issues of malnutrition, hunger and the implementation of the right to food. South Africa concluded its statement by noting the impact of the Family Allowance programme on the fight against poverty. 73. Jordan praised the Government for the 2006 law on domestic violence and affirmative action it adopted. Jordan urged Brazil to take further steps in this regard. It also asked what practical steps it adopted to achieve reducing poverty. 74. Bolivia showed support to all the endeavors undertaken by Brazil in its promotion of human rights. 75. Uruguay welcomed Brazil’s national report which demonstrates considerable progress and recognizes the indivisibility of rights as well as acknowledging continuing human rights violations. It also welcomed the agrarian reform undertaken by Brazil. Uruguay recommended greater efforts regarding prisons systems in a number of states of the federation and that they be transformed into rehabilitation centres.