A/HRC/36/10 103. The Law Commission of India had not recommended the criminalization of marital rape in 2000. After a commission had handed down an opinion favouring that course of action, the Government had requested the Law Commission to deliberate upon the subject during its comprehensive review of the criminal justice system. 104. The Scheduled Castes and the Scheduled Tribes (Prevention of Atrocities) Act, 1989 had been amended with effect from January 2016, providing for the establishment of special courts for the speedy trial of cases. 105. The Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act, 2016 had been enacted in December 2016 and brought into force in April 2017. It contained special provisions on the rights of women with disabilities and on inclusive education for children with disabilities. The Accessible India Campaign had been launched in order to create a barrier-free environment for persons with disabilities. 106. The Government had launched the Swacha Bharat Mission in order to accelerate efforts to achieve universal sanitation coverage, improve cleanliness and eliminate open defecation by 2019. Similarly, the Government was implementing the National Rural Drinking Water Programme and the Atal Mission for Rejuvenation and Urban Transformation to ensure water supply to households in rural and urban areas. 107. Referring to the current security situation in Jammu and Kashmir and the high number of casualties sustained by Indian security forces, the delegation stressed the zerotolerance policy on terrorism and the active, constructive role played by several stakeholders in that region. 108. The death penalty was exercised in the “rarest of rare” cases, when the crime committed was so heinous that it shocked the conscience of society. Furthermore, Indian law provided for all requisite procedural safeguards, for suspension of the death penalty for pregnant women, and for prohibition of executions of persons with mental or intellectual disabilities and juvenile offenders. 109. Uruguay welcomed the draft law for the protection, well-being and social security of domestic workers. 110. Uzbekistan appreciated the efforts of India to eradicate poverty and protect vulnerable groups in society. 111. Honduras noted the advances in poverty reduction, but was concerned about the high incidence of violence against children, especially girls. 112. Viet Nam commended India for its achievements in, inter alia, access for all to quality education, eradicating poverty and protecting vulnerable groups. 113. Yemen commended the efforts to realize development and eradicate poverty, which were reflected in sustainable development plans and the poverty alleviation strategies. 114. Zambia noted with satisfaction the efforts of India in, inter alia, poverty eradication and achieving inclusive sustainable development. 115. Zimbabwe noted the socioeconomic policies of India to address people’s basic needs. 116. Algeria welcomed the launch of the Digital India programme, aiming, inter alia, at increasing connectivity and access to knowledge. 117. Angola raised concerns about increased cases of violence and sexual harassment against women, and of child labour. 118. Argentina welcomed the inauguration of the Stand-Up India scheme. 119. Australia was concerned that certain legislative instruments, including the Foreign Contribution (Regulation) Act, might overly restrict the activities of civil society. 120. Bahrain appreciated the efforts made in the area of economic and social rights and noted challenges faced by women and children. 8