A/HRC/18/14 including community plans and awareness-raising programmes in environmental health, water and sanitation, nutrition, food security, sexual and reproductive health, preventive health programmes, health research and promotion of public health. Cuba acknowledged measures on the rights of women and of persons with disabilities, efforts to boost economic growth through employment creation, and assistance provided for those affected by climate events, especially the 2009 tsunami. Cuba made recommendations. 39. Norway was concerned that Samoa had not yet ratified the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination against Women, that despite the ratification of the Convention on the Rights of the Child, children remained insufficiently protected in domestic law and that corporal punishment was lawful in the home and not explicitly prohibited in schools. It was also concerned that the country’s legislation discriminated against women regarding inheritance and did not afford similar protection to married and unmarried women against coerced sex. It noted women’s weak representation in government and welcomed the commitment of Samoa to equality and non-discrimination outlined in its national report. Norway commended Samoa for its support of the joint statement on ending acts of violence and related human rights violations based on sexual orientation and gender identity adopted by the Human Rights Council. Norway made recommendations. 40. Argentina welcomed the information included in the national report, notably that relating to the measures taken on gender equality. Argentina made recommendations. 41. Hungary welcomed the establishment of the Samoa Law Reform Commission in 2008 and the ratification of a number of core human rights instruments. Hungary encouraged Samoa to further strengthen its human rights mechanisms with international and regional assistance. Hungary noted with satisfaction improvements in the education sector and suggested that Samoa increase the education budget. Hungary also noted measures taken on gender equality. Hungary made recommendations. 42. Australia welcomed the commitment made by Samoa to fulfil its human rights obligations, particularly under the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination against Women and the Convention on the Rights of the Child, and commended its National Development Strategy focusing on the advancement of women and children. Welcoming the establishment of the Domestic Violence Unit, Australia remained concerned about prevailing violence against women. It commended the country for the National Policy for Persons with Disabilities and the Inclusive Education Demonstration Program and encouraged Samoa to ratify the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities. Australia noted the challenges Samoa faced in attaining development goals. It made recommendations. 43. Thailand commended Samoa for continuing efforts to promote human rights despite the added challenges it faced following the 2009 tsunami. Thailand also noted a number of policies such as the 2009 Education Act and the Strategy for the Development of Samoa for 2008-2012. Thailand commended the efforts of Samoa relating to its treaty body reporting obligations, which should be supported through technical cooperation. While noting the attention paid by Samoa to female offenders, Thailand recalled the United Nations Rules for the Treatment of Women Prisoners and Non-custodial Measures for Women Offenders (Bangkok Rules) applicable to those inmates. Thailand stood ready to continue and explore its cooperation with Samoa. Thailand made recommendations. 44. Brazil commended Samoa for abolishing the death penalty and for the priority given to education and health. It was concerned about gender equality, including the lack of appropriate legislation on discrimination against women; restrictions to freedom of expression and assembly; widespread use of corporal punishment against children; and limitations on the promotion of rights of persons with disabilities. It inquired about 8