A/HRC/15/10 poverty, a lack of modern infrastructure and funding, a low literacy rate and rampant corruption were all obstacles to the effective promotion and protection of human rights and to development in the country. It made recommendations. 26. France noted that the national report emphasized a lack of civil control over the armed forces, as shown by the impunity of members of the military found guilty of murder and other human rights violations. It asked about the measures planned by Guinea-Bissau to identify and prosecute the military personnel responsible for such crimes and to re-establish discipline within the armed forces. It noted the scale of discrimination and violence against women and girls and that early marriage, female genital mutilation and domestic violence remained common practices, exacerbated by the very high illiteracy rate for women. France expressed concern about the massive development of a certain form of forced labour carried out by children called Talibés. It asked about measures planned by Guinea-Bissau in that regard. France made recommendations. 27. Egypt noted that priorities outlined in the national report included achieving peace, stability and development. It also noted that emphasis had been placed on the rights of vulnerable groups and that a number of strategies had been put in place in the field of economic, social and cultural rights. Egypt called on the international community to extend the necessary assistance to Guinea-Bissau so that it could fulfil its obligations related to the promotion of human rights. It made recommendations. 28. Cuba stated that Guinea-Bissau was a country that was affected by poverty but working for the social and economic development of its society in a global context rife with crisis. Cuba noted several initiatives such as the Health Development Plan; the Strategic Plan against HIV/AIDS; the fight against illiteracy, which was one of the Government’s priorities; and free education. Cooperation and financial technical assistance should be provided by developed countries, especially as a way to further promote the Government’s programmes in the field of human rights. Cuba made recommendations. 29. Spain welcomed the establishment of the National Commission for Reconciliation and the Commission of Inquiry to investigate the events of March 2009. It highlighted the fact that Guinea-Bissau prohibited the death penalty for all crimes, and supported its determination to put an end to the interference of the military power in the judiciary. It welcomed the decision of Guinea-Bissau to adopt specific legislation against female genital mutilation. Spain made recommendations. 30. Mexico recognized efforts made by Guinea-Bissau to promote human rights, highlighting in particular collaboration with regional and international organs to reinforce its capacity in that area. It noted with appreciation the country’s abolition of the death penalty, the recent holding of democratic elections and efforts to reduce child mortality. Mexico recognized the serious challenges faced by the country and expressed the hope that efforts to end impunity would lead to political stability and peace. Mexico made recommendations. 31. Hungary stated that the effective implementation of existing human rights obligations, such as children’s rights and non-discrimination against women, should also be accorded priority and that the Government might consider requesting technical and capacity-building assistance in meeting those obligations. It emphasized that international cooperation should not be a substitute for States’ primary responsibility for the promotion and protection of human rights. Hungary made recommendations. 32. South Africa was mindful of the challenges to be overcome in order to achieve security, political stability and the restoration of constitutional order. It emphasized the importance of effective policies and governmental institutions. It noted efforts aimed at the consolidation of peace, as well as challenges, particularly in the areas related to combating HIV/AIDS, high infant and maternal mortality rates, the absence of legislation prohibiting 6 GE.10-14446