A/HRC/7/67 page 17 particular. As a result, social problems such as high rates of illiteracy, infant mortality and HIV/AIDS cannot be adequately addressed. Lack of capacity and poor organization have undermined the ability of the justice system to combat gender-based violence and other human rights violations. Delays in establishing the Independent Human Rights Commission and a law reform commission jeopardize the credibility of the Government in human rights protection and law reform as well as the progress it has made in these critical areas. 73. Owing to the close relationship between poverty in all its forms, human rights violations and conflict, the stakes in resolving the above-mentioned problems are high. The recent past of Liberia has clearly shown the tragic consequences that can result from neglecting political, civil, economic, social and cultural rights. IX. RECOMMENDATIONS 74. To reinforce the progress made in Liberia in improving its human rights situation, the independent expert makes the recommendations as set out below. 75. The independent expert calls on the Government of Liberia: • To urgently take steps to ensure that domestic laws are harmonized with the international human rights treaties it has ratified; • To take action to establish an effective and accountable Independent National Commission on Human Rights; • To act to remove any form of legal basis for harmful traditional practices, such as tried by ordeal, and take a strong and consistent stance against those practices; • To issue regulations prohibiting courts from allowing out-of-court settlement in rape cases; • To provide training on gender sensitivity for judges and judiciary staff; • To work with the international community to ensure that shortfalls in the delivery of health services resulting from the gradual withdrawal of international humanitarian non-governmental organizations from certain areas can be bridged; • To consider implementing a quota system to both secondary schools and universities to ensure that the wide disparities between the educational achievement of male and female students in certain regions can be reduced; • To consider opening schools for pregnant girls to ensure that such girls have equal access to education; • To consider extending the mandate of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission to allow it to complete its work.