A/HRC/17/16 basis of their sexual orientation but was concerned that the Penal Code still prohibited homosexuality. The Netherlands made recommendations. 70. The United States of America welcomed the Central Office for Combating Corruption (GCCC) and the enactment of the anticorruption law. However, it noted that officials continue to engage with impunity in bribery, unlawful killings and arbitrary arrest. It asked about plans to develop a national strategy on corruption. It was concerned at the lack of transparency during the most recent elections, notably the inability of the electoral commission to act independently and the increasing lack of political space for opposition parties. It made recommendations. 71. India noted that the ongoing process of decentralization had strengthened participatory decision-making in the country. India noted the efforts to promote women’s rights and that HIV/AIDs constituted a major challenge. India appreciated Mozambique’s commitment to accede to international human rights instrument to which it is not yet a party, such as the International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights (ICESCR), and to strengthen its institutional framework, through the full compliance of its National Commission with the Paris Principles. 72. Switzerland referred to four issues of concern. It noted the excessive use of force by the security forces, the numerous cases of arbitrary detention and extrajudicial executions, the lack of impact of the annual growth on improving the social and economic rights of the population and the rights of the child in Mozambique. Switzerland made recommendations. 73. Australia congratulated Mozambique on its remarkable post-conflict progress towards recovery and its progress towards achieving the MDGs. It noted that HIV/AIDs remained a significant threat to Mozambique’s development, and applauded Mozambique’s efforts to address this issue Australia urged Mozambique to address ongoing corruption, encouraged its efforts to continue reform in education and to work towards ending violence against women, including sexual slavery. Australia made recommendations. 74. Rwanda noted that Mozambique is one of the fastest growing economies of the region, with best practices for effective poverty reduction strategies. Rwanda noted the remarkable rise in the percentage of female representation in the parliament. It also commended the fight against corruption and the approval of GCCC. It noted however that progress in this area is often constrained by limited resources. Rwanda made recommendations. 75. Uruguay noted that, following a difficult conflict situation, Mozambique has made progress on all indicators of economic development, which has contributed to making progress in the human rights situation. Uruguay thanked Mozambique for its honest report on the situation of children, partly a result of the extreme poverty in the country. Uruguay made recommendations. 76. Ecuador commended Mozambique’s decision to invite nine mandate-holders to visit the country simultaneously in August 2010, reflecting its willingness to improve the human rights of its population and its commitment to the universal periodic review mechanism. Ecuador made recommendations. 77. Hungary acknowledged Mozambique’s vulnerability to natural disasters. Hungary remained concerned about food insecurity and extreme poverty, which had led to serious health problems. It referred to information about the limited number of citizens benefiting from social and health programmes. Hungary asked for further details about the conformity of traditional authorities’ decisions with human rights requirements. Hungary referred to access to justice as a major challenge and the failure of police investigations into cases of ill-treatment. Hungary made recommendations. 11