A/HRC/24/10 70. Replying to a question by Sierra Leone concerning reform of the National Human Rights Commission, he said that a bill was about to be promulgated to enhance the Commission’s effectiveness and bring it into line with the Principles relating to the Status of National Institutions (Paris Principles).6 71. The authorities punished torture, as it was a punishable offence under the Constitution. 72. With regard to the parliamentary elections held in February 2013, he told the United States that Djibouti had no political prisoners. He said that opposition parties had actively participated in the electoral process. He mentioned the vote by proportional representation of 20 per cent and the presence of international observers, who had welcomed the smooth running of the elections. 73. However, the leaders of insurrectionist movements had been held accountable for their actions in court. 74. With regard to the right of members of the opposition to demonstrate after the election, he said that the Minister of the Interior had not given authorization for obvious security reasons. 75. The Minister for the Advancement of Women and Family Planning took up the question of women’s and children’s rights and replied, in particular, to the United Kingdom and the United States by referring to the lengthy awareness-raising process conducted to combat discriminatory practices, which had made it possible for the groups concerned to speak about those issues. Article 333 of the Criminal Code had been strengthened in 2009 by increasing the penalties incurred and allowing non-governmental organizations to bring civil suits for damages. 76. Yemen appreciated the Government of Djibouti’s efforts to improve and develop human rights. It commended its constitutional amendments and laws enacted to promote constitutional rights and freedoms, its National Strategic Action Plan for Children and its ratification of several international human rights conventions. It made a recommendation. 77. Afghanistan noted Djibouti’s efforts to implement first cycle UPR recommendations and appreciated its ratification of the International Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Racial Discrimination and the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities. It commended its adoption of the national Education Master Plan 2010–2019 and implementation of a pilot literacy project in rural areas. It made a recommendation. 78. Algeria commended Djibouti for important steps taken to promote human rights despite the scarcity of resources. These efforts reflect Djibouti’s attachment to promoting and protecting human rights and its citizens’ living conditions. It made recommendations. 79. Angola commended Djibouti’s establishment of an independent body ensuring children’s rights and its adoption of a National Strategic Action Plan for Children and implementation of a National Gender Policy. It acknowledged its political reforms, leading to a national wastewater management strategy and reform of the National Human Rights Commission. It made a recommendation. 80. Argentina commended Djibouti for its National Strategic Action Plan for Children (2011–2016) and for ratifying the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities and the Optional Protocol to the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities. It made recommendations. 6 10 General Assembly resolution 48/134 of 20 December 1993 (A/RES/48/134). GE.13-15502