A/HRC/13/12 50. Canada welcomed Dominica’s continued press freedom, and its protection of the right to organize and bargain collectively. Canada noted recent reports alleging excessive force and punishment while making arrests, as well as poor conditions of prisons and detention centers. Canada raised concerns about the lengthy pre-trial and judicial inefficiency. Canada was also concerned with the continued problems of domestic violence against women, and child abuse, especially of girls. Canada noted the challenges regarding the situation of persons with disabilities as well as the lack of opportunities available to them, especially children. Canada was finally concerned about violence and discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity. In addition, Canada made several recommendations. 51. The Netherlands noted that, in spite of the number of programmes that are offered by several organisations, the widespread occurrence of domestic violence against women remains an area of concern. The Netherlands was also concerned about reports of child abuse in the home and school environment. It noted, among others, that the Committee on the Rights of the Child remained concerned about child abuse and the widespread use of corporal punishment in Dominica and made several recommendations in this regard. The Netherlands was also concerned about reports of the high incidence of teenage pregnancies. The Netherlands made recommendations. 52. Chile took note of the commitment of Dominica to the protection and promotion of human rights and encouraged their continuing efforts in that respect. 53. Sweden commended the efforts that Dominica has undertaken to harmonize its legislation with regard to children, and congratulated Dominica for the National Policy and Action Plan for gender equality and equity from 2006. Sweden was grateful that Dominica addressed its question about the Dominican Sexual Offences Act. Sweden was however concerned about this act that criminalizes consensual sexual activity between persons of the same sex. Sweden recalled that these sexual acts are punishable by between 5 and 25 years of imprisonment, and for some of them, psychiatric hospital treatment is prescribed. Sweden was also concerned about reports indicating that social discrimination against homosexuals is a common occurrence. Sweden thanked Dominica for the clarifications on the issue of death penalty. Lastly, Sweden expressed its concern about the situation in Dominica when it comes to discriminatory laws and practices against women in the areas of marriage, choice of partner, divorce, child custody, and transmission of nationality and inheritance. Sweden remained also concerned about the existence of child labor in rural areas, and about limitations in the freedom of expression. In addition, Sweden made several recommendations. 54. Italy acknowledged with appreciation that, since 1986, there has been a de facto moratorium on executions of people sentenced to death. It invited Dominica to consider the adoption of legislation on the abolition of the death penalty. Italy expressed deep concern at the widespread use of corporal punishment and noted that corporal punishment is mentioned in the Education Act of 1997 and that the Magistrates’ Code of Procedure allows the whipping of a male child or young person. It noted that, in 2009, the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) referred to surveys according to which more than 90% of children experienced corporal punishment at home and school. Italy made recommendations. 55. Spain recognized the advances in human rights maters, especially with the approbation of National Policies and Action Plans for gender equality and encouraged Dominica to continue its efforts within its national institutions. Spain asked if Dominica could explain if specific legislation exists that recognizes the particularities of the Kalingo indigenous population and what measures Dominica has taken to improve the access of indigenous children to education or health. Spain highlighted that Dominica is a country affected by a mixed migratory flow and questioned about the actual situation of Haitian 10