A/HRC/53/14 68. Namibia noted the continued efforts aimed at the progressive realization of economic, social and cultural rights, including the right to social security. 69. Nepal welcomed the efforts to combat gender-based violence against women and girls, the enactment of the Children’s Code Act of 2022, and the commitment to abolish the death penalty. 70. The Kingdom of the Netherlands commended Zambia for abolishing the death penalty and the offence of the criminal defamation of the President, but regretted that Zambia did not support recommendations relating to the protection of the rights of LGBTIQ+ persons from the previous review. 71. The Niger noted the efforts made to implement the national development plans, including the seventh national development plan, which had led to the establishment of six fast-track courts for handling cases of gender-based violence. 72. Nigeria welcomed the enactment of the Children’s Code Act of 2022, which addressed the needs of children. 73. Pakistan noted the formulation of the national legal aid policy, the introduction of fasttrack courts for gender-based violence cases and the enactment of the Children’s Code Act of 2022. 74. Panama thanked Zambia for the presentation of its national report. 75. Paraguay expressed concern at the failure to recognize the existence of Indigenous Peoples in Zambia. 76. Poland noted the measures that had been taken to protect the rights of persons with disabilities and welcomed the abolition of the death penalty. 77. In response to advance questions and matters raised during the interactive dialogue, the delegation of Zambia stated that the COVID-19 pandemic had resulted in economic challenges for families. In addition, the Government’s policy of obliging people staying at home during the pandemic had resulted in gender-based violence. Zambia had embarked on a massive sensitization campaign, using community radio stations highlighting the dangers of gender-based violence, and had established gender-based violence focal points at police stations. The Anti-Gender-based Violence Act of 2011 was currently being revisited in order to strengthen the prosecution of gender-based violence cases. The adoption of a national strategic plan on gender-based violence was being envisaged. 78. Zambia endeavoured to reduce gender inequality through the application of the Gender Equity and Equality of 2015 and other measures, including increasing the allocation of constituency development funds for women. The Employment Code Act of 2019 prohibited discrimination in the workplace. 79. The anti-torture bill was currently under review. The delegation identified various international human rights conventions that were under consideration for ratification. 80. Portugal noted the abolition of the death penalty. 81. Romania welcomed measures, such as the strengthening of the health system, but noted that many challenges remained to be tackled. 82. The Russian Federation noted the ratification of the Convention on the Prevention and Punishment of the Crime of Genocide and the implementation of human rights obligations. 83. Saudi Arabia noted the positive engagement of Zambia with human rights mechanisms. 84. Senegal noted the efforts to strengthen the legislative and institutional human rights framework and to improve access to socioeconomic rights, specifically through the eighth national development plan, 2022–2026. 85. Serbia noted the implementation of national development plans and social protection programmes, the introduction of free primary education for all and the enhanced access to education for children with special needs. GE.23-04188 7