19. Welcomes Gabon’s positive role in combating HIV/AIDS both at the national and international level; 20. Welcomes the enactment of a specific law on asylum, the establishment of a national institution mandated to handle applications for asylum, and the establishment of a National Refugee Commission; 21. Commends the measures and initiatives taken to promote equal opportunities for men and women, including the establishment of a Women’s Rights and Gender Equality Observatory (ODEFPA) and the signing of the Solemn Declaration on Gender Equality in Africa; 22. Welcomes the efforts made by the Government to promote and protect the rights of children in Gabon, including the establishment of a National Commission on the Family and Women’s Empowerment and a National Child Rights Observatory; 23. Welcomes the efforts made by the Government of Gabon to protect delinquent minors; 24. Welcomes the enactment of a new code of criminal procedure which takes into account key elements such as the principle of equality before the law, and protects the rights of pre-trial detainees including the right to defence; 25. Notes with satisfaction that the Gabonese Republic has, since 2010, established nationwide mobile court hearings (per province) to accelerate the trial of pre-trial detainees; 26. Commends the establishment of “legal homes” to promote access to justice at the community level for underprivileged citizens; 27. Commends the efforts made by Gabon to acknowledge the right to development as a human right, including by adopting economic policies for its citizens and economic operators; 28. Notes with satisfaction that the Constitution of Gabon and other legislative instruments recognize the rights of persons with disabilities; 29. Welcomes the creation of a school for hearing-impaired and deaf children, the celebration of a national day for persons with disabilities, and the collaboration between the government and organisations to protect the rights of persons with disabilities; 30. Takes note of the establishment of the “Fraternité Saint Jean” retirement home which contributes towards improving the living conditions of elderly persons; 4

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