the challenges faced in reconciling competing political and social interests, combined with the relative inadequacy of human and material resources. x. Mozambique’s late start in embracing multiparty democracy and the global regime of human rights is reflected in the country’s record with regard to the signing and ratification of international codes and standards. While it has signed many relevant APRM codes and standards, many more remain to be signed. It is commendable that no reservations were made to any of the agreements. A few important agreements that still remain to be signed, or have been signed and await ratification, include the International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights (ICESCR); the Optional Protocol to the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR); and the Convention on the Political Rights of Women. xi. Mozambique has experienced difficulties in complying with its reporting obligations to the bodies monitoring the United Nations (UN) treaty and the African Commission on Human and Peoples’ Rights (ACHPR). The level of enforcement and implementation of international codes and standards unfortunately remains unsatisfactory. This is partly due to limited awareness among those responsible for their enforcement, such as lawyers, judges, public prosecutors, Members of Parliament (MPs) and the general public. xii. The Mozambican Constitution, which can be considered “international law friendly”, states specifically that once a treaty has been entered into in terms of the country’s constitutional requirements and international law, and has been officially published, it will form part of the Mozambican law. Thus no additional legislative act of domestication or incorporation is required. xiii. Mozambique has enjoyed peace and stability since the signing of the GPA on 4 October 1992. Despite occasional outbreaks of violence since then, it has been possible to sustain the spirit of the agreement and to maintain the peaceful conditions necessary for political stability and socioeconomic development. In the ensuing 17 years, strenuous efforts have been made to reduce distrust and entrench peace through consultations, dialogue, consensus and inclusive policies. These policies are aimed at reintegrating formerly warring opponents and inculcating a new patriotism based on mutually defined national objectives and aspirations. The example of both FRELIMO and RENAMO, former war protagonists becoming peace advocates, has had a salutary influence on their multitudes of members. As a result, dialogue and consultation have been adopted as a national ethic for conflict resolution. Thus the GPA provides a frame of reference for the resolution of intrastate conflicts, as well as the conditions for establishing and consolidating multiparty democracy. xiv. However, there are challenges to sustained peace. There is evidence that perceived inequities in election procedures, such as voter registration, campaign- 3