A/HRC/33/10 an analytical medium — remained a major challenge. Papua New Guinea would welcome appropriate technical, financial and other resources and support from development partners in the collection and interpretation of human rights data and statistics. 44. The rich diversity of Papua New Guinea in terms of multilingualism, cultures and traditions, as well as geographic terrain, created barriers to effective communication related to translating and transcribing human rights issues countrywide. 45. Regarding the death penalty, it was not illegal under international law and for Papua New Guinea it was part of its domestic law. A de facto moratorium, as suggested by several States, was a sensitive issue. 46. Regarding the rights of lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and intersex persons, the issue needed to be understood by the population. A national consultation process was required in order to address the issue in a comprehensive way. 47. Regarding the right to health, Papua New Guinea was aware of its high rates of maternal mortality and complications related to pregnancy. The country was also aware that it had not achieved the target of the Millennium Development Goals to reduce maternal and child mortality rates. In that regard, a number of initiatives has been put in place, such as providing free primary health care and services to all citizens and training to health-care officers. 48. The delegation furthermore referred to the country’s five key priorities at national level, namely health, education, economic growth, law and justice, and infrastructure. 49. On the subject of agricultural and business leases, Papua New Guinea had held a commission of inquiry. Subsequently, legislative amendments had been proposed to give effect to the commission’s recommendations. 50. Lastly, Papua New Guinea thanked all the delegations for their recommendations, questions and comments and commended the secretariat of the Human Rights Council for its work in support of the universal periodic review process. B. Interactive dialogue and responses by the State under review 51. The United States of America was encouraged by the independent monitoring made available to OHCHR and the independent human rights observers and it applauded the country’s efforts on its national plan of action on trafficking in persons. It was, however, concerned by reports of abuse of detainees by police and military personnel, discrimination against women and girls, sex trafficking and forced labour and hazardous forms of child labour in agriculture and allegations of corruption. 52. Uruguay commended Papua New Guinea for its participative and cooperative process for drafting the national report. It was concerned about the increase in the number of crimes to be punishable by the death penalty and the official announcement of the restart of executions. 53. The Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela praised Papua New Guinea for ratifying the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities, and for legislation aimed at promoting the participation of women in public and political affairs, highlighting especially the election of 20 women at the local level. It highlighted the success of the policy of universal and free education at primary level. 54. Algeria welcomed the creation of sexual violence centres and family support centres. It commended Papua New Guinea on its efforts to provide free education, the advances in the area of children with disabilities, the ratification of the Convention on the 8 GE.16-12009