A/HRC/37/6 57. The delegation added that the minimum age for marriage in Gabon stood at 18 years and that parties must give their consent to be married and must not be forced into marriage. 58. The new Criminal Code and Criminal Code of Procedure criminalized mutilation and the removal of organs. Efforts to combat HIV/AIDS were continuing. 59. The provisions of the Protocol to Prevent, Suppress and Punish Trafficking in Persons, Especially Women and Children, supplementing the United Nations Convention against Transnational Organized Crime, had been incorporated into national law based on decree No. 337. The decree was currently before the National Assembly. A committee had been established to deal with issues pertaining to the trafficking in children. In addition, the new Children’s Code covered all issues in the area of the rights of the child. 60. Maldives welcomed the implementation of the National Gender Equality and Equity Strategy. It noted the important steps taken towards child protection with the help of UNICEF and the strengthening of legislative measures such as the Children’s Code. 61. Mali welcomed the accession by Gabon to the Second Optional Protocol to the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights and the Optional Protocol to the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities. It praised the adoption of a national strategic plan to combat HIV/AIDS. 62. Mauritania commended the establishment of mandatory health insurance for all. It praised the efforts of Gabon to create a permanent national integrated structure to combat human trafficking, as well as the setting up of a parliamentary commission for the protection of persons, in particular women and children. 63. Mauritius welcomed the establishment of the National Human Rights Commission and an independent national mechanism for the prevention of torture. It praised the ratification in 2014 of the Optional Protocol to the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities. 64. Mexico praised the positive impact of the National Policy on Health and Reproduction 2006–2015 and the National Health Development Plan 2011–2015. It commended Gabon for its Humane Investment Strategy and its economic security programme for the integration of persons with disabilities. 65. Montenegro expressed appreciation for the adoption of the Second Optional Protocol to the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights. It praised the progress made in the field of education, but noted the concerns of several United Nations human rights treaty bodies regarding the quality of education. It encouraged Gabon to develop a comprehensive strategy on inclusive education, including for children with disabilities. 66. Morocco welcomed the integration of a bill in the Criminal Code to penalize domestic violence. It encouraged the efforts of Gabon aimed at creating a permanent, integrated national structure to combat trafficking in persons, as well as the endeavours to promote gender equality and protect women’s and children’s rights. 67. Namibia welcomed the ratification of the Second Optional Protocol to the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights. It requested information about the progress made on amending articles 6 and 24 of the Constitution with regard to women’s equality. 68. The Netherlands commended the measures taken to enforce and coordinate national legislation and policies, and to raise public awareness, on the issue of trafficking in persons. However, it expressed concerns about the 2016 post-election violence and strongly regretted the pressure and intimidation experienced by the political opposition. 69. Nigeria praised Gabon for its combating and prevention of trafficking in persons, especially women and children. It noted the measures taken in partnership with UNICEF in the area of judicial protection of children who are in conflict with the law or are victims of trafficking in persons. 70. Pakistan commended the efforts of Gabon in combating trafficking in persons. The adoption of the national health policy, the finalization of the National Health Development Plan 2011–2015 and the wider implementation of the National Health Insurance and Social GE.17-23556 7