A/HRC/29/9 protection and well-being of children and of the Law on Education, and the National Program on Disability. 94. Australia expressed concern that poverty, HIV/AIDS and food insecurity continued to present significant obstacles to the enjoyment of human rights in Lesotho and welcomed the adoption of the National Strategic Development Plan. It welcomed the planned legislation to establish a human rights commission. Australia expressed concerns about the death penalty and discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation and gender identity. 95. Benin welcomed the progress made in the implementation of the recommendations. It commended Lesotho for ratifying ICPPED. It also commended Lesotho for strengthening the judicial system, promoting gender equality, and for developments in the areas of health and education. 96. Botswana noted the enactment of laws on trafficking in persons and the protection of children, as well as the measures taken in relation to gender equality, poverty alleviation, and gender-based violence. It noted the efforts made to address the political and constitutional challenges. Children under the age of 15 years were engaged in domestic service, street vending and in agriculture. It also noted challenges in providing adequate health-care facilities and services. 97. Brazil was pleased at developments in Lesotho in the field of freedom of expression and the promotion of the rights of women, children and lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender persons, as well as at the creation of the Ombudsman’s Office. It noted however that there was still room for improvement. 98. Canada welcomed the commitment to promote and protect human rights and encouraged Lesotho to continue to follow up on legislative steps taken to establish a human rights commission in line with the Paris Principles, as that would be an important tool to protect and promote the human rights of all persons, including the rights of women and children. 99. The Central African Republic encouraged Lesotho to ratify CAT and to guarantee the physical integrity of its citizens. It noted that, despite the difficulties, Lesotho had ratified ICPPED, had introduced policy promoting the rights of persons with disabilities, and had adopted a law on the protection of the rights of the child in conformity with international instruments. 100. Chile took note of efforts by Lesotho to protect human rights, strengthen its institutional structure and to enact legal frameworks, despite challenges. 101. China noted progress in promoting gender equality, the empowerment of women, combating the trafficking of women and children, and sexual violence. It noticed difficulties in agriculture, job creation and public health. It highlighted difficulties in the prevention and treatment of AIDS and called on the international community to give more assistance. 102. The Congo welcomed ratification of ICPPED and the adoption of laws to combat trafficking in persons and to promote human rights. It encouraged Lesotho to redouble its efforts to overcome economic and social challenges and to strengthen cooperation with Human Rights Council mechanisms. 103. Costa Rica took note of measures to implement previous recommendations. It welcomed progress to protect human rights, strengthen the judicial system, combat human trafficking and promote the rights of persons with disabilities and children through the adoption of Law for the protection and well-being of children. 104. Cuba commended the interest of Lesotho in promoting inclusive economic growth and its commitment to free education through the Education Law of 2010. It took note of 13