A/HRC/29/12 40. Child labour was a real scourge, especially in its worst forms. The Government was sparing no effort to achieve its eradication. It was for that reason that a national survey had been carried out in 5,000 households in order to assess the situation. On the basis of the results, and with the help of its partners, the Government intended to put in place programmes and actions to deal with the problem. 41. The delegation of Guinea-Bissau said that the Government had just approved a programme to reform the justice system, for the period 2015–2019, which generally speaking set out actions to combat impunity and corruption, to improve access to justice for citizens, to improve the judicial infrastructure and to strengthen the capacities of staff working in the justice sector. The programme would be carried out within a wider reform of the civil service and a reform of the defence and security sectors. 42. The delegation recalled that the country had just reinstated a democratic system and said that the challenges involved were enormous. The Government hoped, step by step, using existing resources, but also with the support of the international community, to introduce the measures needed to ensure that the National Human Rights Commission received the necessary resources and that it was in conformity with the Paris Principles. 43. Regarding forced and early marriage, the delegation pointed out that such behaviour was embedded in traditional culture. Eliminating the practices would take a great deal of time and would require careful handling. Nevertheless, progress had been noted on the ground and the Government intended to continue to work on the subject. 44. Guinea-Bissau did not have any political prisoners and steps were being taken to improve conditions of detention within the framework of the aforementioned reform of the justice system. 45. With respect to equality between men and women, the principle was recognized in articles 24 and 25 of the Constitution. 46. Gabon noted that difficulties linked to the political situation had hindered full cooperation with international human rights mechanisms for the promotion and protection of human rights. It appreciated the measures taken in the areas of gender equality and nondiscrimination, and the reforms in the justice and security sectors. It urged the international community to strengthen its support. Gabon made recommendations. 47. Germany welcomed the renewed commitment of Guinea-Bissau to achieving stability and security in the country, and particularly to fighting against the drugs trade, which had led to significant human rights challenges. It appreciated the efforts made to combat poverty and the improvements made with regard to freedom of the press and freedom of opinion. It was, however, deeply concerned at the ongoing human rights problems. It made recommendations. 48. Ghana noted with appreciation the implementation of some of the recommendations that Guinea-Bissau had received during its first cycle, which included the ratification of many key international human rights instruments. It invited Guinea-Bissau to join the core group of the Convention against Torture Initiative, in order for it to benefit from international assistance in implementing CAT, following ratification. Ghana noted the successful presidential and legislative elections held in 2014 after several years of military conflict. It made recommendations. 49. Indonesia noted the many challenges faced in the transitional period following the internal political developments in 2012, and expressed the hope that the Government would spare no efforts in continuing to enact measures to promote and protect human rights in the country. Indonesia welcomed the review of the statutes of the national human rights commission. Furthermore, Indonesia noted the challenges being faced, which included the 8 GE.15-07685