A/HRC/29/6 29. Botswana expressed solidarity with Guinea regarding the health crisis following the outbreak of Ebola. It noted efforts to ensure civil and political rights and appreciated reforms to establish constitutional order and reform of the judiciary and security system. 30. Brazil noted efforts to combat discrimination and violence against women. It welcomed the process to ratify the Optional Protocol to the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination against Women and encouraged further progress in that regard. It commended the commitment to acceding to the Optional Protocol to the Convention against Torture and Other Cruel, Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment (OP-CAT) and extending a standing invitation to special procedures. 31. Brunei Darussalam recognized progress on the rights of vulnerable groups, especially women and children. It highlighted initiatives on children, particularly the adoption of the Children’s Code, which brought legislation into line with the Convention on the Rights of the Child. 32. Burundi welcomed the establishment of the Supreme Council of Justice and the increase in judges’ salaries, which were important measures to guarantee the independence of the judiciary. It highlighted measures to prohibit the dismissal of women for reasons related to pregnancy. 33. Cabo Verde welcomed efforts made, highlighting broad legislative reform and reform of the judiciary, the law on health and procreation in the context of the fight against FGM, and the adoption of a minimum wage and a plan of action on children. 34. Canada asked about the status of the special court for the crimes that took place in 2009, particularly why those responsible had not yet appeared in court. It commended Guinea on progress made, notably its process of transition to democracy. 35. The Central African Republic commended Guinea for the courageous reforms being undertaken to build a democratic society respectful of human rights. It further welcomed efforts made by Guinea for the promotion and protection of children’s rights. 36. Chad commended Guinea for the follow-up and implementation of recommendations from its previous review, notwithstanding the challenges, in particular the fight against the Ebola outbreak. It urged the international community to assist Guinea in its efforts to promote and protect human rights. 37. Aware of the challenges and complex realities that Guinea faced, Chile took note of efforts made by Guinea to advance human rights, through the strengthening of its legal and institutional framework. 38. Returning to a subject mentioned in the opening statement, namely the structural problem, the delegation of Guinea explained that the country’s institutional and structural past was very complex, and that it currently faced two major challenges: building the State and democracy at the same time. It added that it was worth bearing in mind the fragility of public institutions and democratic and institutional culture, as well as a certain in-built cultural and sociological resistance. However, that did not mean that the public authorities did not accept responsibility for the promotion and protection of human rights. 39. With regard to the ratification of a number of optional protocols, the delegation said that the Government was willing to make sure that Guinea ratified them and that the necessary mechanisms to do so were in place. 40. With regard to the death penalty, the delegation recalled that a de facto moratorium had been in place for several years. It added that the reform of the Criminal Code has begun and that the Ministry of Human Rights and Public Liberties planned to launch an awareness-raising campaign on the abolition of the death penalty. 6 GE.15-07505