A/HRC/58/7 establishing the powers, organization and operation of the national mechanism for the prevention of torture, the National Detention Observatory. 9. The mechanism for the protection of human rights defenders, created by interministerial decree on 10 November 2021, was operational. 10. With regard to the fight against trafficking, exploitation and child labour, the 2019–2021 National Action Plan, extended until December 2023, had improved children’s access to basic social services and reduced the socioeconomic vulnerability of families and communities. 11. With regard to economic, social and cultural rights, the measures taken had helped to increase the number of schools, classrooms and teachers to cope with the growing number of pupils. 12. There had been a significant increase in the resources allocated to health. Work in that area was supported by initiatives to improve access to drinking water. In the fight against maternal and infant mortality, the implementation of the Strategic Plan for Maternal and Child Health had been effective. Universal health coverage ensured that all people were covered by a health insurance scheme. 13. The struggle against poverty was a priority, with the implementation of the Productive Social Safety Nets Project to empower persons receiving assistance. On 15 June 2023, Côte d’Ivoire had adopted a national rural land tenure security programme. 14. The reform of the texts already in place had made it possible to strengthen equality between men and women. An Act of 14 October 2019 mandated that women account for a minimum quota of 30 per cent on the electoral lists of political parties and groupings. The Act of 21 December 2021 on measures to protect victims of domestic violence, rape and sexual violence outside the context of domestic violence was the subject of a major awareness campaign. Thanks to the Government’s efforts, female genital mutilation had fallen sharply. The marriageable age was now 18, with no possibility of dispensation. The Criminal Code criminalized early and forced marriage. 15. To protect the rights of persons with disabilities, a fund had been established by decree on 15 February 2023 for their integration in the world of work. 16. As for the question of bringing the National Human Rights Council into line with the principles relating to the status of national institutions for the promotion and protection of human rights (the Paris Principles), in December 2020 the Global Alliance of National Human Rights Institutions had granted the A status to the Council. 17. Côte d’Ivoire had adopted a national strategy for good governance and the fight against corruption. The Economic and Financial Crime Division, a specialized court, had been created by a law of 11 March 2022. The Agency for the Management and Recovery of Criminal Assets had been established on 1 June 2022. 18. Despite the Government’s efforts, challenges remained. However, vigorous measures were under way to deal with them, with international cooperation. 19. Responding to a question submitted in advance by Germany, the Head of Delegation indicated that, during the period under review, 39 people had been admitted to the legal profession, which was governed by a regulation of the West African Economic and Monetary Union. 20. With regard to questions from Germany and the United States concerning lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and intersex people, the Criminal Code enshrined the prohibition of all grounds of discrimination prohibited under international law. The people in question were adequately protected. 21. With regard to the question of preparations for the 2025 elections, raised by the United Kingdom and the United States, political dialogue sessions were being organized on an ongoing basis, and a review of the electoral roll supported by awareness-raising campaigns had recently taken place, supported by awareness-raising campaigns. GE.24-23209 3