A/HRC/24/5 nine islands and received 3,203 complaints of gender-based violence in 2010. The Sol network was an innovative approach inspired by the good practices of in other countries with wide experience in that field. 35. Cape Verde indicated that major challenges persisted, particularly the elimination of sexist stereotypes that led to discrimination against women in the public and private sphere. 36. With regard to respect for and protection of the rights of vulnerable groups, Cape Verde stated that the social sector and social policies had always been key to the choices made by successive Governments in Cape Verde. That reflected a vision of development that was people-centred and sought to ensure respect for the human rights of the entire population, and particularly the most vulnerable groups. 37. In order to supplement its social policies to combat poverty, in particular in the rural area, the State currently provided, to a group representing about 4.7 per cent of the population, and which included the elderly and vulnerable or disabled children and adults, with a minimum non-contributory pension. 38. Cape Verde noted that the Constitution required that public authorities ensured the special protection of persons with disabilities, which was further reflected in a law adopted in 2000. It indicated that the National Council on Disability, an advisory body, worked in partnership with the Government to propose, coordinate and monitor the implementation of national policies. The Government encouraged businesses to hire persons with disabilities by providing tax incentives. 39. It noted, however, that, despite the measures taken, persons with disabilities continued to face obstacles in their daily lives, such as gaining access to public buildings, and that the public authorities therefore promoted and encouraged associations of persons with disabilities. 40. It was indicated that women heads of household, especially in rural areas, was a group the deserved support, particularly in the area of microcredit, promoted by a 2007 law aiming to ensure they could support themselves and continue to maintain their businesses. It noted particularly the work of the Association in Support of Women’s Self-Promotion in Development (MORABI). 41. Cape Verde then noted that the Constitution established that public officials must provide older persons with special protection. It added that the National Strategy for Older Persons had been adopted in 2011 and was guided by the principles of respect for the individual, integration, solidarity, sustainability, accessibility, participation, cooperation and partnership. B. Interactive dialogue and responses by the State under review 42. During the interactive dialogue, 60 delegations made statements. Recommendations made during the dialogue can be found in chapter II of the present report. 43. Botswana welcomed ratification of the Rome Statute of the ICC and the Optional Protocol to CEDAW. It commended adoption of the Gender-Based Violence Act in 2011 asking about remedial measures been taken to reduce domestic violence against women. It encouraged continued efforts to reduce high school dropouts and infant mortality. Botswana made recommendations. 44. Brazil acknowledged strengthened national human rights institutions according to the Paris Principles, improvement on infant mortality and malnutrition, adoption of the National Strategy for Older Persons and improved literacy. Brazil commended ratification 7