A/HRC/36/11 51. Switzerland noted delays in land demarcation processes and challenges faced by human rights defenders. It remained concerned about the large number of illegal abortions. 52. In response to some of the questions received, the delegation stated that Brazil was investing in initiatives such as University for All (PROUNI), the Student Finance Fund (FIES), the National High School Examination (ENEM) and the National Common Curriculum Base (BNCC). 53. Brazil had adopted, in February 2017, a secondary school educational reform, after much debate and wide discussion. It represented the culmination of a national effort to overcome low indicators related to exclusion, dropout and grade repetition rates. 54. The Government had improved the More Doctors programme to the benefit of users of the public health system. In addition to bringing physicians to regions where there was a shortage of medical professionals, the programme provided for the construction, renovation and expansion of basic health units, and training of health-care professionals. The “Stork Network” had been expanded to promote actions focused on disadvantaged populations, including indigenous peoples and Afro-Brazilian quilombola communities. 55. In relation to the Zika epidemic, Brazil had intensified measures to combat the Aedes aegypti mosquito. It had expanded the access to diagnosis and treatment, the rehabilitation of newborns, and the psychosocial support for families, among other measures. 56. Brazil considered that inclusive social policies, the fight against hunger and the reduction of inequalities were central to ensuring the realization of human rights. The combination of policies of income transfer, such as the Family Stipend, the consistent rise in the minimum wage, and family agriculture had contributed to significantly improving the social conditions of the population, since the last review. 57. Thailand noted the efforts made by Brazil to improve human rights mechanisms, to combat human trafficking and to eliminate child labour and sexual exploitation of children. It noted inadequate day-care facilities for pregnant women in prisons. 58. Timor-Leste noted the adoption of the national plans on education, and on combating sexual violence against children and human trafficking. 59. Togo noted the ratification of many international human rights instruments and the efforts that Brazil had made to reduce extreme poverty and to help the poorest families. 60. Tunisia noted the establishment of the National Human Rights Council and progress achieved in reducing poverty, developing social security and the health-care system and protecting the rights of persons with disabilities. 61. Turkey commended progress in several areas, but noted a high rate of poverty, shortcomings in the access to safe drinking water and sanitation, and deficiencies in the prison system. 62. Uganda highlighted the efforts made by Brazil to strengthen various human rights institutions. 63. Ukraine noted the efforts of Brazil in the area of poverty reduction, education and health care, and the launching of the National System of Human Rights Indicators. 64. The United Arab Emirates noted the efforts made by Brazil to promote and protect human rights, particularly the rights of women. 65. The United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland noted progress in several areas, including torture prevention and recognition of same-sex marriage. It urged Brazil to strengthen protections for journalists and human rights defenders. 66. The United States of America noted the efforts of Brazil in several areas, but remained concerned about reports of unlawful killings, violence against environmental activists, inhumane prison conditions, prolonged pretrial detention, and delays of trials. 6

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