A/HRC/13/4 land law, inter alia to determine ownership; apply the law through negotiations with the rightful private owners to avoid litigation; and find solutions providing evictees with appropriate compensation or relocation. Cambodia established a national authority for the resolution of land disputes in 2006. The policy and legal framework for effective implementation of the land law has been developed and approved by sub-decrees and the draft policy on a land evaluation system. The Council of Ministers also recently announced the creation of a working group to find satisfactory solutions for landowners and land occupants prior to eviction. 55. The land dispute resolution mechanism has so far resolved 1,400 cases. There are continuous efforts to improve and implement land registration procedures for systematic and sporadic titling. The delegation also reported progress in transparency and accountability. Immediate challenges ahead were to curb further illegal land occupancy and land concentration for unproductive purposes. Priority is given to people needing land for building houses and for farming, taking account of the needs of vulnerable groups. 56. Given the importance of land for social development in Cambodia, especially for poverty reduction, the delegation acknowledged the challenges of land administration, requiring a commitment in terms of human resources, time and financing. 57. On freedom of expression, the delegation reiterated that Cambodians have largely enjoyed this right. Citing article 19 (3) of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR), it noted that Cambodia could accordingly impose restrictions on that right. Cambodia appreciates the expression of all views, including criticism, which would positively contribute to the promotion of democracy and human rights. 58. In response to questions on the Extraordinary Chambers, Cambodia remarked that they were the product of negotiations between Cambodia and the United Nations. The Extraordinary Chambers are a Cambodian court with international participation, thus contributing to the strengthening of the court system in Cambodia. Between January and February 2009 a mutual understanding had been reached concerning the strengthening of the structure and administration of the Extraordinary Chambers. It was hoped that it would become a model court. The delegation noted that the first trial would close at the end of 2009 and the second case resume at the beginning of 2010. 59. Denmark expressed concern at allegations of the use of torture and other forms of ill treatment, long pre-trial detention and, as noted by the Committee against Torture, the general atmosphere of impunity. It enquired about measures taken to address impunity and the lead time for the establishment of an independent national preventive mechanism to directly receive and investigate complaints of torture. Denmark made recommendations. 60. Switzerland noted with concern forced and illegal evictions, as well as land confiscation without adequate compensation. It considered corruption to be a major obstacle to development. It applauded Cambodia’s judicial reform and measures taken to fight impunity for past human rights violations. It referred to the issue of freedom of expression and of the press and noted that the new criminal code still provides for offences of defamation. Switzerland made recommendations. 61. Australia acknowledged Cambodia’s advances in strengthening institutional capacity and legal frameworks. It welcomed Cambodia’s commitment to strengthening the rule of law and good governance. While welcoming also its commitment to freedom of expression, Australia asked how Cambodia intended to apply this concept to civil society, media representatives, political commentators and political figures. Acknowledging the complexity of land issues, Australia made a recommendation. 62. The Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela highlighted Cambodia’s efforts in poverty reduction in rural zones and the Strategic Development Plan that has achieved sustained 10