A/HRC/48/4 acquitted. Several convicted persons were appealing their convictions and some acquitted persons were suing the State. To expedite the delivery of justice, the Aspirant Judges Programme had been introduced to enhance the capacity of judges. A similar programme was being run for aspiring magistrates and prosecutors and was a resounding success. 58. Regarding the protection of children affected by violence, the National Plan of Action on Gender-Based Violence 2019–2023 had been introduced and amendments to the Combating of Domestic Violence Act (4 of 2003) had been tabled. Social and cultural practices were being addressed through education and awareness-raising campaigns. The Combating of Rape Act (8 of 2000), the Combating of Domestic Violence Act (4 of 2003) and the Child Care and Protection Act (3 of 2015) specifically prohibited all forms of sexual exploitation of children. Legislation was currently being drafted to specifically address online sexual exploitation. 59. Namibia has continued to make strides in promoting gender equality, including through the National Gender Policy, which set out 12 areas serving as indicators for gender equality and women’s empowerment. The Constitution protected against all forms of discrimination. Members of vulnerable groups, including LGBTIQ persons and commercial sex workers, had unfettered access to public health-care facilities and the Government would continue to raise officials’ awareness of the prohibition of discrimination and of cultural biases against members of these groups. 60. The National Disability Council Act (26 of 2004) and the National Policy on Disability were undergoing review to ensure their alignment with the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities. Measures were being taken to eliminate harmful cultural practices, including through engagement with traditional leaders. The Child Care and Protection Act (3 of 2015) prohibits harmful customary practices, including child marriage and early sexual activity. 61. Several measures were being taken to mitigate the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on human rights, including by providing an emergency income grant, free COVID-19 testing and free vaccines, access to online education and budgetary allocations for employer subsidies and employee protection programmes. 62. The National Energy Policy and the National Renewable Energy Policy had been adopted in 2017 to manage the effects of climate change. In accordance with the Paris Agreement, Namibia had committed to reducing greenhouse gas emissions by 89 per cent by 2030. 63. The Protocol against the Illicit Manufacturing of and Trafficking in Firearms, Their Parts and Components and Ammunition, supplementing the United Nations Convention against Transnational Organized Crime, was in the final stages of being ratified. 64. Botswana noted the efforts made to address gender-based violence, promote democracy and ensure the rule of law. 65. Brazil encouraged Namibia to enact legislation on access to information, review legislation that allowed discrimination and expand the constitutional prohibition of discrimination. 66. Bulgaria acknowledged the adoption of laws and plans to protect children and women and promote peace and security. 67. Burkina Faso noted the efforts made to ensure gender equality in Parliament and to repeal laws that were discriminatory. 68. Burundi welcomed the measures taken to combat torture and terrorism, improve access to justice and ensure inclusive education. 69. Cameroon noted the efforts made to promote democracy, ensure the rule of law and protect human rights. 70. Canada welcomed the leadership shown by Namibia in promoting media freedom but was concerned about gender-based violence and child marriage. 6