A/HRC/29/9 the high rate of HIV/AIDS and the vulnerability of Lesotho to the global financial crisis. It called on the international community to provide technical assistance. 105. Kenya took note of the challenges in addressing gender inequality and the trafficking of persons. It welcomed efforts to domesticate core human rights instruments and noted the commitment to cooperate with the United Nations human rights mechanisms. Kenya encouraged the continuation of measures to address human trafficking. 106. The delegation stated that the Government had taken a stand in relation to the depoliticization of the public service. For instance, with the upcoming elections, all public officers who demonstrated an intention of becoming politicians were instructed to resign from the public service. 107. Primary education was free, an initiative also being extended to secondary schools. Bursaries were offered to students at the tertiary level. Herd boys were receiving an alternative primary education, with some links to formal education. 108. The delegation acknowledged that reports to some Committees were overdue and stated that that was largely due to the lack of capacity and resource constraints. Lesotho would do its best to comply with its reporting obligations. The law on defamation served as a deterrent and people were very rarely charged under it. 109. The Government had continued to implement the gender policy framework and empower women to contribute to development and poverty reduction. Several social protection plans for persons with disabilities, children who had been orphaned and vulnerable children had also been introduced, with the primary goal of preventing and reducing economic and social vulnerability. Child labour was predominant in the private sector. The Labour Code of 1992 was under review to provide labour inspectors with the authority to review child labour practices in the informal sector. An action plan to eliminate child labour was being developed. 110. With regard to environmental degradation, measures had been taken to prevent soil erosion through water deviation furrows and contour ploughing. The delegation stated that the Maseru Facilitation Declaration and the Maseru Security Accord would be fully implemented and that regular visits by the SADC facilitator would take place to ensure this. 111. The delegations stated that Lesotho would agree to issue a standing invitation to all the Human Rights Council mechanisms; birth registration was free of charge through public gatherings; primary health care services to women and girls were provided for a subsidized fee in all government hospitals and clinics; and clinics for the health care of women and girls were available in all 10 districts. 112. On behalf of Lesotho, the delegation extended its deepest appreciation and thanked all delegations for the questions, comments, recommendations and above all their constructive manner of engagement. Cooperation with the United Nations human rights mechanisms was an issue of high priority on the agenda of the Government. The UPR had been a worthwhile process. It allowed for reflection on priorities and needs and provided for the systematic creation of an enabling environment to enhance the realization of human rights. The delegation affirmed the commitment of the Government to uphold the human rights of all Basotho. 14