A/HRC/18/10 15. Poland noted the enactment of some crucial laws in the fields of women’s and children’s rights. Poland was aware of Sierra Leone’s challenges, caused by difficult socioeconomic conditions and capacity constraints. It made recommendations. 16. Algeria commended the setting up of institutions and mechanisms and the adoption of action plans and national strategies in the areas of the rights of children, women and persons with disabilities. It noted that in spite of Sierra Leone’s commitment to end discrimination and violence against women and to include at least 30 per cent of them in political life, these objectives remained a challenge. Algeria mentioned the overcrowding in prisons. It made recommendations. 17. Morocco commended Sierra Leone’s political commitment to achieve truth and reconciliation; to establish peace and stability; and to rebuild the social fabric through dialogue. It commended the legal and institutional measures taken, good governance and other human rights achievements. Morocco called for solidarity and technical and financial assistance to support these efforts, notably to organize and speed up constitutional reform, to implement fundamental rights and meet the priorities of the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) such as access to food, housing, health, water and education. It made recommendations. 18. France raised concerns about gender discrimination, particularly the underrepresentation of women in politics, discrimination of women under customary law and the lawfulness of female genital mutilation. It asked if legal measures and strategies were being considered to remedy this situation. France asked about the measures to put an end to human ritual sacrifice and about intentions to abolish death penalty. It requested information on the measures to remedy the overcrowding in prisons and poor detention conditions. It asked about the provisions considered to combat impunity for the crimes perpetrated during the armed conflict and the 2007 elections and to punish abuses committed by the police and the security forces. France made recommendations. 19. Canada expressed appreciation for Sierra Leone’s commitment to fully implement the TRC recommendations. It noted the Presidential Apology to women and girls for their suffering during the war, the National Action Plan on Security Council resolutions 1325 (2000) and 1820 (2008) and the establishment of Family Support Units. Canada welcomed Sierra Leone’s commitment to equality and non-discrimination principles. It made recommendations. 20. Ireland welcomed the Human Rights Commission while noting reported funding difficulties. Ireland noted the TRC’s contribution to hastening the development of human rights culture and commended the Government’s commitment to fully implement the TRC recommendations. It referred to significant corruption issues within the Sierra Leone police undermining public confidence in the institutions. Ireland welcomed Sierra Leone’s de facto moratorium on the use of death penalty but noted that much work remained to permanently remove this punishment from legislation. Ireland made recommendations. 21. Azerbaijan noted Sierra Leone’s social and economic challenges stemming from the civil war. It welcomed the measures taken to investigate the issues related to the war and the commitment to rebuild society and economy. It also commended the gender equality efforts, including the National Gender Strategic Plan and the establishment of Family Support Units. It mentioned the Children’s Forum Network, the Directorate for Gender and a Directorate for Children. It made recommendations. 22. Spain recognized the efforts made by Sierra Leone to overcome the wounds of armed conflict and the steps taken to improve the human rights situation, although serious human rights issues remained. As a sign of improvement, Spain referred to the two electoral processes carried out in the country. Spain made recommendations. 5