A/HRC/22/9 positive results: there had been 162 minors in detention on 31 July 2012 compared with 275 in 2010 and 362 in 2009. 16. The delegation also said that the protection of children’s rights was one of Benin’s priorities. Accordingly, the Beninese courts granted children particular protection, and the “best interest of the child” was now prioritized in legal proceedings. 17. In the case of violence against so-called “witch children”, the delegation pointed out that specific measures were currently being considered with a view to eradicating that phenomenon. The work of the conference on ritual infanticide in Benin held on 28 and 29 March 2012, which had involved local elected officials, representatives of NGOs, and religious and traditional chiefs, had resulted in proposals to effectively combat the phenomenon. The conference had recommended, inter alia, the creation of reliable databases and the active involvement of keepers of tradition in discussions on awarenessraising mechanisms; dialogue and behavioural change; advocacy on the mobilization of stakeholders as well as prevention and judicial punishment. 18. With regard to the enjoyment of the right to education, the delegation noted that some of the measures taken alongside the introduction of free public primary education by decree in 2006 included an increase in the budget allocated to the education sector, the construction of classrooms, the strengthening of teachers’ capacities and the acquisition of teaching materials. The extension of free education to girls in the second year of secondary school in the 2009/10 school year had enabled girls to remain in school. The delegation recalled that in 2010, the net school attendance rate had reached 90.28 per cent. 19. The delegation also pointed out that the empowerment of women and combating all gender-based violence were ongoing areas of concern for the Beninese Government. In that context, Benin had adopted a national policy on gender equality, with the objective of achieving gender equality and equity by 2025 by ensuring, inter alia, the empowerment of women and a better reflection of the gender perspective in development programmes. 20. With respect to the situation of older persons, the delegation pointed out that in August 2012 the Government had organized forums on civil status and the identification of the specific needs of older persons, which had resulted in recommendations that would contribute to improving civil policy and everyday life for that sector of society. 21. The delegation mentioned that Benin had strengthened efforts to guarantee universal access to quality health care, particularly through expanded vaccination and primary healthcare programmes, the promotion of family health, reproductive health care, the treatment of childhood diseases, the monitoring of child nutrition, and the provision of care for those living in poverty and extreme poverty. The delegation pointed out that the budget estimates for achieving the Millennium Development Goals had been increased in the area of maternal and child health. 22. The delegation noted that, in order to ensure an adequate standard of living for all Beninese citizens, the Government had continued its microcredit programme for the poorest people. However, poverty reduction and the fair distribution of resources, food security, universal education, the reduction of the illiteracy rate, and women’s empowerment all still presented challenges. 23. In closing, the delegation highlighted that there was the political will in Benin to ensure that human rights prevailed, and that the country was committed to continuing with the major reforms initiated in respect of the promotion and protection of human rights. GE.12-18655 5