affected by armed conflict, the fight against terrorism in the Sahel and, in particular, the deployment of its defence and security forces in Nigeria, Cameroon and Niger to combat the Islamist sect Boko Haram, are an indication of its firm commitment to ensuring that freedom, equality and justice, fundamental to achieving the legitimate aspirations of African peoples, prevail everywhere. 398. With regard to economic, social and cultural rights, the commitment of the authorities to find sustainable solutions to food insecurity is worth noting. In addition to enshrining the right to food in the Constitution, Chad developed several policies and strategies aimed at improving the living conditions of its people. The National Food Security Programme (PNSA), which is the most important programme of the Three-Year Public Investment Plan (PTIP) was thus established. The objective of the Programme is to “contribute to eradicating hunger and food insecurity countrywide through secular increases in productivity and production levels combined with measures to ensure access for populations to food, both in terms of quantity and quality, while preserving natural resources”. It should be noted that Chad has made significant progress since 2003, when the country entered the oil era. Significant progress has been made on social indicators such as access to safe drinking water, primary school enrolment, the vaccination rate of children, maternal, newborn and child mortality, as well as the slowdown in the spread of HIV/AIDS and tuberculosis. A proactive policy is being pursued to create the right conditions for the empowerment of women, including their representation in decision-making bodies. 399. With regard to specific rights and the rights of peoples, analysis shows that the various legislative and administrative measures and new policies adopted have made it possible to achieve significant progress compared to the years prior to 1998. Key achievements include the improvement of the legal and institutional framework relating to specific rights and the Government’s commitment to protect the right of peoples to the free disposal of their wealth and their right to international peace and security. 400. It should be emphasized that, despite Chad’s undeniable efforts from 1998 to 2015 to ensure respect of the rights and freedoms set out in the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights, much remains to be done, notably in terms of access to basic social services. Poverty is the greatest challenge facing the country. 401. Conscious of these challenges, Chad is committed, with the support of its technical and financial partners, to developing concrete initiatives which will contribute to the effective enjoyment of social rights for its people. 402. Chad remains determined to further promote and protect the rights and freedoms set out in the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights. Page 86 sur 87