A/HRC/19/6 discrimination against the most vulnerable groups of children, and that corporal punishment was legally practiced. Uruguay made recommendations. 54. The Democratic Republic of the Congo underlined Swaziland’s social allocation for the elderly as an important advancement in favour of social human rights to be seen on the African Continent. It noted that there were a number of contradictions between the common law and the local customary laws, and that some laws were in conflict with the international human rights norms. It asked about the actions the country intended to take to resolve those conflicts. 55. The United Kingdom welcomed the steps taken by Swaziland towards democracy, and expressed hope that the uncertainty regarding the status of political parties could resolved to enable free and fair elections. It inquired as to how Swaziland planned to strengthen the implementation of section 24 of its Constitution, which provided for freedom of expression and peaceful acts of assembly. The United Kingdom encouraged Swaziland to investigate allegations of torture. It made recommendations. 56. The Holy See noted the efforts made by Swaziland to achieve free primary education, to improve access to health for older persons, to provide drinking water to the population and to eliminate pediatric AIDS, and that an independent national human rights institution had been established. However, it also noted some difficult challenges faced by Swaziland, such as reducing poverty and child and maternal mortality rates. It expressed hope that the enactment of new programmes and campaigns would prove useful. The Holy See made recommendations. 57. Morocco commended the brave self-criticism of Swaziland which, among other things, called upon the Human Rights Council and the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights to provide the country with guidance and support in fulfilling its international obligations. It asked about the mandate of the Commission on Human Rights and Public Administration in terms of the promotion of access to justice and non-repetition of violations. Morocco made recommendations. 58. Romania stated that the commitment of Swaziland to the Millennium Development Goals was commendable. It noted the National Gender Policy adopted in 2010 and stated that women still suffered from discriminatory laws and practices. Romania was aware of the challenges faced in offering care and services to orphaned or vulnerable children and considered the setting up of the Neighbourhood Care Points to be a helpful measure. It stated that engaging with human rights mechanisms would be beneficial in identifying weaknesses and strengthening respect for human rights. Romania made recommendations. 59. Malaysia appreciated the recognition by Swaziland of various challenges faced in its efforts to improve socio-economic development and in the promotion and protection of human rights. It also noted the measures undertaken by Swaziland regarding poverty eradication and social services, in particular in the areas of health and education. Malaysia made recommendations. 60. Uganda commended the Government of Swaziland for the concrete steps taken to try to meet the Millennium Development Goals related to health. It noted with appreciation that the most vulnerable, such as the elderly and persons with disabilities, were exempt from paying hospital charges. It commended the Government for striving to ensure that its female population was accorded particular Constitutional protection. Uganda made a recommendation. 61. Latvia stated that there was room for improvement in the area of cooperation by Swaziland with special procedures mandate holders. It made a recommendation. 62. Burkina Faso welcomed the fact that Swaziland was party to most of the main human rights instruments. It noted the measures taken in favour of older persons, such as 10