A/HRC/15/10 48. Children, and children with disabilities in particular, are protected under the provisions of the Criminal Code and through the work of specific institutions attached either to the Ministry of Justice or the Ministry responsible for the protection of the family. Responsibility for implementing all protection and development programmes for women and children falls to the Institute for Women and Children. 49. Women’s rights are guaranteed under the Constitution, but the Government of Guinea-Bissau firmly believes that more must be done to ensure that their rights are effectively respected throughout the country. A bill to criminalize female genital mutilation and put an end to this reprehensible practice is currently in the preparatory stages and will be submitted to Parliament in the near future. The Ministry of Justice is also overseeing the implementation of an extensive programme of reforms designed to enhance human rights protection and promote equality. Guinea-Bissau is counting on the support of the international community for implementing these reforms of the normative framework for human rights protection. Additionally, since the country lacks an effective prison system, i.e. prisons operated directly by the Ministry of Justice subject to clear legislation governing prison management, a UNDP-backed prison reform programme entailing devising adequate legislation, renovating prison facilities, and training prison staff is currently under way. 50. Drafts legislation to combat trafficking in human beings, in particular trafficking in women and children, is in the preparatory stages and will shortly be brought before Parliament. In the case of Talibé children in particular, the Government is tackling the problem, in conjunction with national and international non-governmental organizations working in the field. A specific law will also be drawn up, and a cooperation agreement signed with neighbouring countries, given that many Talibé children are sent across the border and made to beg on the streets. 51. Peace and political stability are vital prerequisites for Guinea-Bissau; to that end, a national conference in which all political stakeholders are involved is currently in the planning stages. 52. Slovakia noted the difficulties that Guinea-Bissau had been facing as a consequence of the armed conflict, political instability and extreme poverty. It commended the adoption of the plan of action focusing on the national school system. Slovakia noted reports of torture and other inhuman treatment, including arbitrary arrests and detention carried out by military personnel, particularly against political opponents. Slovakia referred to the concerns expressed by the Secretary-General in 2008 about the situation in detention centres. Slovakia made recommendations. 53. The United States of America denounced the kidnapping and detention, on 1 April 2010, of the Prime Minister, the Chief of Defence and others by rogue elements of the military. It called for the unconditional release of those still being held illegally and for the armed forces to respect civilian control of the military. The United States also remained deeply concerned by the assassination, in March 2009, of former President Vieira and the former armed forces Chief of Staff, and the assassination, in June 2009, of a member of Parliament and a presidential candidate. The United States made recommendations. 54. Latvia noted that there were still pending requests by two special procedures mandate holders to visit Guinea-Bissau. It made one recommendation. 55. Senegal stated that Guinea-Bissau’s participation in the universal periodic review was a reason for great pride and had provided it with an opportunity to confirm its support for the country’s development efforts. It considered that, more than ever, assistance in all areas was necessary in order to help Guinea-Bissau overcome the multiple challenges facing it, as the country was striving to make a new beginning. Senegal reaffirmed its solidarity with the sister nation of Guinea-Bissau. It made recommendations. GE.10-14446 9