41. No new information has been provided on this subject matter apart from those presented by the DRC in the previous periodic report. Article 13: RIGHT TO PARTICIPATE IN THE MANAGEMENT OF PUBLIC AFFAIRS OF ONE’S COUNTRY 42. Under the terms of this law, the Democratic Republic of Congo has made a significant effort to ensure that gender parity becomes effective by promulgating the law of 1 August, 2015 on the modalities for the implementation of the rights of women and parity. 43. It must be underscored that the principle of representation of women has already been established in texts governing all the supporting democratic institutions and the Economic and Social Council. Article 14: THE RIGHT TO PROPERTY 44. There is no new development apart from the information provided in the previous DRC report. Article 15: THE RIGHT TO WORK 45. Apart from what has been provided in the previous report, it must be pointed out that in the search for solutions to basic social needs; the government has initiated a major policy on infrastructural development, the implementation of which has led to the creation of new jobs for the benefit of national work force. From 2011 to 2013, the number of jobs thus created rose to 156,887. With regard to freedom of association, the labour world in the DRC currently can boast of 129 trade unions in the public sector and 233 in the private and semi-public sectors, but their capacity building is carried out in accordance with international labour standards. 46. On this subject matter, it must be indicated that for the first time ever in the DRC, social elections are organised in the public administration in accordance with Order No. 013/CABMIN/FP/J-CK/40/DN/GNK/019/013 of 1 July, 2013 on the Electoral Code pertaining trades union elections within the public administration. Article 16: RIGHT TO HEALTH AND WELFARE 47. Apart from what has been indicated in the previous report, it can be specified that in order to facilitate access by Congolese citizens to healthcare, the government has made efforts in the following areas: equipment and rehabilitation of 66 general referral hospitals and 330 health centres with the assistance of UNICEF and GAVI; rehabilitation of 120 other general referral hospitals and 1280 health centres with the support of the Global Fund; rehabilitation of the Medical Education Institute in Kinshasa. 48. As part of the support for the public health sector, the government has undertaken several interventions relating to the prevention and care for malaria (distribution of insecticide mosquito nets), Vitamin A vaccination, the establishment of minimum standards for emergency surgery and emergency obstetrical care, mass campaigns and medical kits distribution to people living with HIV/AIDS, immunization campaigns against tuberculosis, poliomyelitis and yellow fever. 49. Between 2010 and 2011, life expectancy for men rose from 48 to 53 years while that of women increased from 48 to 56 years (source WHO and UNDP). Additional information has been provided in Part B of this report. Article 17: THE RIGHT TO EDUCATION AND FREEDOM TO CULTURAL LIFE 50. Apart from the information provided in the previous report, the DRC has developed a national education strategy comprising, among others, the sub-sectors of primary, secondary and vocational education implemented under the (2012-2014) interim education plan; its flagship action launched in 2010, is free primary education in the public sector of the country apart from the cities of Kinshasa and Lubumbashi. 21