Death Penalty 14. The Commission commends Mauritania for its efforts to guarantee the right to life; particularly by observing the moratorium on the death penalty since 1987. Respect for legality and conditions of detention 15. The Commission commends Mauritania for adopting policies to decongest the prisons, especially by: i. Implementing a rehabilitation policy for prisoners; ii. The construction of new prisons in Nouadhibou and Aleg iii. The establishment of rehabilitation centres for children in conflict with the law at Nouadhibou and Nouakchott iv. The implementation of the policy of decriminalisation thanks to a presidential pardon on the occasion of the celebration of the major religious festivities v. The improvement in the living conditions in places of detention vi. The socio-economic integration of detainees Decriminalization policy 16. The Commission welcomes the establishment of: i. A decriminalization policy for certain offenses; ii. The use of presidential pardon on the occasion of major religious ‘celebration. Right to the freedom of expression and access to information 17. The Commission commends Mauritania for the following: i. The total liberalisation of the means of expression (print, audio-visual and electronic media) ; ii. The simplification of procedures for the establishment media bodies and the elimination of any control over media bodies; iii. The decriminalisation of press offences; iv. The elimination of terms of imprisonment imposed on journalists in the course of carrying out their professional duties and public assistance to the private media as a means of contributing to the effectiveness of the right to information. v. The establishment of the High Media and Audio-visual Council to ensure the enforcement of the regulations governing the media and communication. Human Rights Defenders 18. The Commission notes with satisfaction the establishment of a public utility system for non-governmental organisations to ensure that they enjoy some benefits. 6