A/HRC/43/49/Add.1 particularly pretrial detention, is used only as an exceptional measure of last resort and for the shortest possible period of time; (d) Where detention is absolutely necessary, introduce alternative regimes in the best interests of the child and ensure any punishment is proportionate to the circumstances of both the offender and the offence; (e) Ensure that all juveniles benefit from regular family contact and educational and recreational opportunities. 119. With regard to women, the Government should: (a) Take the steps necessary to ensure that the national laws, including the act on violence against women and children, and the national strategy to combat violence against women and minors and the accompanying road map, which has been adopted, are fully implemented in order to eradicate gender-based violence; (b) Uphold the United Nations Rules for the Treatment of Women Prisoners and Non-custodial Measures for Women Offenders (the Bangkok Rules) and implement alternative measures, especially for women who are pregnant or have dependents; (c) Ensure that female inmates are protected from all gender-based violence and sexual harassment. 120. With regard to lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and intersex persons, the Government should repeal laws that target and criminalize lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and intersex persons and take action to combat violence, threats and intimidation on the basis of sexual orientation and gender identity. 121. With regard to assistance by regional and international mechanisms, the Government could consider: (a) Inviting the Special Rapporteur on Prisons and Conditions of Detention in Africa of the African Commission on Human and Peoples’ Rights to follow up on the findings and recommendations in the present report; (b) Extending a standing invitation to the special procedure mandate holders, in particular the Working Group on Arbitrary Detention, the Working Group on Enforced or Involuntary Disappearances and the Special Rapporteur on the promotion and protection of the right to freedom of opinion and expression, and ensure full cooperation with any future visits; (c) Engaging with the European Union, which has not released funds earmarked for projects because a precondition to releasing those funds is for the Government to undertake the stipulated reforms regarding the human rights situation in the Comoros; (d) Seeking assistance from the Convention against Torture Initiative 13 regarding the implementation of the Convention against Torture; (e) Seeking financial support from partners to recommendations accepted during the universal periodic review; implement the (f) Encouraging donations from the international community to support the United Nations Voluntary Fund for Victims of Torture so that it can consider requests for assistance from non-governmental organizations that work to ensure that persons who have been tortured have access to medical care and legal redress. 13 Launched in 2014, the Convention against Torture Initiative is focused on the universal ratification and implementation of the Convention against Torture and Other Cruel, Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment. 19