The Parliament passes laws and ensures compliance of national legislation with the provisions of ratified international instruments. The parliamentary group in charge of human rights ensures the promotion and popularization of human rights principles as well as their protection. The national mechanism for the prevention of torture ensures compliance with existing legislation in this area. The High Council on fatwas and informal appeals also acts similarly in its area of competence. Associations are governed by Law nr. 64.098 of 9 June 1964 amended by Law nr. 73.007 of 23 June 1973 and by Law nr. 73.157 of 2 July 1973. More than 6,025 national NGOs and 57 international NGOs are in operation. The number of associations rose significant as of 2008 when there were only 1,106. Associations are active in the areas of human rights, social welfare, development, health, environment, culture, sports, arts, etc. They may, at their request, benefit from tax exemption on materials earmarked for the implementation of their activities. This exemption is legally binding provided that the association is declared to be of public interest. g)-Recognition of the jurisdiction of a regional human rights court or a similar mechanism Mauritania recognizes the jurisdiction of the African Court on Human and Peoples’ Rights. h)-Dissemination of human rights instruments Information and awareness-raising campaigns were organized on several conventions. They include, among others: - Convention on the Elimination of all forms of Discrimination Against women The following actions were undertaken as part of efforts to disseminate this convention:  Translation into the four national languages;  Simplification with the development of a guide and the organization of farreaching awareness-raising campaigns via the public media (radio and television);  Outreach campaigns conducted by NGOs; and  Other programmes supervised by the MASEF’s Communication Unit through its regional coordination units. - Convention on the Rights of the Child This convention was disseminated through:  Preparation and dissemination of a simplified guide on the convention; 24