A/HRC/8/39 Page 14 ways to partner with the international community in the context of international cooperation in the provision of technical assistance to deal with challenges caused by the difficult economic situation. It recommended to Benin to continue its acceleration of the poverty alleviation strategies with a view to allowing the economic emancipation of the poorer communities, including women and other vulnerable groups. 51. Mauritania noted the efforts made in the context of combating poverty and the protection of most deprived sections of society. It asked Benin about initiatives adopted to combat FGM and recommended to Benin to pay more importance to the schooling of girls in its education programmes, which would certainly contribute to combating FGM. 52. Sudan welcomed the important role Benin has played within the context of the group of the least developed countries and its efforts towards the application of the ICESCR and the achievement of the MDGs, including poverty reduction and the introduction of free education. It recommended that Benin share with the least developed countries its efforts to overcome its challenges in enhancing economic cooperation with other developing and developed countries at bilateral, regional and multilateral levels. 53. Regarding the “King of Benin”, the delegation of Benin noted that traditionally, it is an honorary position, related inter alia to clans and families, who are nowadays seen as public opinion leaders. They do have an importance in dealing with certain small conflicts. Regarding the aid that Benin would like to receive to offer a decent standard of living, noted that actions are taken, but funds are needed. There is a will to solve social problems, which can be seen from the budget: for first time, the budget is over 1 million billion CFA francs. Benin would like additional aid for basic amenities, such as medical dispensaries and schools. Many countries already provide aid, but what is needed is a ‘Marshall Plan’ for Benin. The situation helps to explain migration issues. What is also needed is help to improve trade. On the issue of disabled persons, Benin is not party to the Convention on the Rights of Disabled Persons but that Benin will examine the issue. He indicated that in the national legal arsenal, many measures have been taken. 54. In relation to corruption, a law against corruption and similar offences which is currently before the National Assembly and the Law Commission. In addition, the President of the Republic has called for a green march against corruption. According to the latest analysis, corruption is still not fully eradicated in Benin, but measures are being taken to reach level of zero corruption between now and 2015. With respect to polygamy, he indicated that it is forbidden in Benin since the adoption of the Persons and Family Code. Measures of public awareness have been taken to ensure that all sectors know about this, with the help NGOs. On the issue of the judiciary, a common criticism is the delay of the courts in proceeding cases, often due to understaffing. The State has been recruiting additional personnel, and a new law on the Organisation of the Judiciary was adopted, which provides for the creation of courts of first instance and two courts of appeal. On the issue of the death penalty, there is a moratorium and people condemned to death have not subsequently been executed. One difficulty that Benin will need to deal with in the next few months is the fear that Benin may become a refuge for gangsters from neighbouring countries. However, since there is excellent cooperation with neighbouring countries, Benin will manage to overcome this although currently this is a huge source of concern. The moratorium will become an official policy. 55. The head of the delegation expressed his sincere thanks to all present, showed his satisfaction with the prevailing atmosphere and the fruitful discussion. He noted that many concerns were expressed in connection with rights and freedoms in Benin, but highlighted that the Beninese were aware of these issues. There exists in Benin a clear political will to promote and protect