Harmonization of national texts with the Maputo Protocol 74. Despite some efforts noticed in domestication of the Protocol, much remains to be done. Political participation and decision-making 75. Though the Commission is satisfied with the progress made on the issue of participation of women in politics and their presence in decision-making bodies, the Commission is concerned about the low number of women on elective lists and in decision-making bodies despite the quotas establishes. Reproductive Health 76. The Commission notes that the report does not provide information on the measures taken by the State to provide access to safe abortion by women in Mauritania. Elimination of Harmful Practices 77. The Commission is concerned about : i. The persistence of female genital mutilation in spite of the efforts made by the Government to eradicate the phenomenon; ii. The continuation of the practice of girls force-feeding. Education 78. The Commission is concerned about the persistence of the low rate of illiteracy of women and girls in particular, namely, 46.3% among women of between 15-19 years and 69.3%, among women aged between 45-49 years. HIV/AIDS 79. The Commission notes the following: i. In spite of the integration of the prevention and screening for health and reproductive health services and the stability of the HIV/AIDS prevalence, the risks of contracting the HIV are still high among keys populations, migrants and in the detentions facilities. ii. The persistence of some practices such as early marriages, excision, FGM, frequent divorce and remarriages, polygamy and the use of sharp objects are the main causes of the risks of transmission. iii. The low rate (6.3%) of women between 15 and 24 years who have a fair knowledge about the modes of transmission of the HIV/AIDS and only two (2) women out of 5 know that this pandemic can be transmitted to a child. (MICS 2011 Survey). 27