51. The existence of harmful traditional practices which affect the rights of women and children, such as widowhood practices and the inheritance of orphans; 52. The increase in gender-based violence and the lack of appropriate measures and programmes to support victims; 53. The low rate of women’s representation in decision-making institutions and the lack of affirmative action measures to increase women’s representation in political and decision-making institutions; 54. The existence of discriminatory provisions against women in Gabonese laws; 55. Harmful cultural practices which restrict women’s leadership role; 56. The lack of a law on matrimonial regimes, inheritance and gifts which affects the rights of women and children, in particular concerning inheritance; 57. The high maternal and child mortality rates, especially in rural areas; 58. The high poverty rate among indigenous populations and their limited access to basic social services such as education, health care and drinking water; 59. The low representation of indigenous people in decision-making positions; 60. The restriction on freedom of expression, in particular regarding the private media, and the harassment of journalists; 61. The lack of human rights courses in schools and institutions of higher education; 62. The lack of in-service human rights training programmes for the judiciary, the police and prison officers; 63. The lack of a law to protect human rights defenders; 64. The illegal exploitation of mineral resources and non-respect for environmental standards; 65. The lack of gender disaggregated data in the various areas of human rights which prevents the Commission from making an objective assessment of the challenges and achievements made in the promotion and protection of human rights. 7