CEDAW/C/PHL/CO/7-8 (b) That prevention of trafficking remains weak, especially du ring and after disasters and armed conflicts; (c) That there is a lack of designated shelters for victims of trafficking and a lack of support for their rehabilitation and reintegration. 28. The Committee recommends that the State party: (a) of 2012; Effectively implement the Expanded Anti-Trafficking in Persons Act (b) Develop a legal framework to explicitly address contemporary methods of trafficking, which make use of information and communications technologies; (c) Address the root causes of and women’s vulnerability to trafficking, in particular in the context of disasters, conflicts and displacements; (d) Develop shelters specifically for victims of trafficking and ensure that victims have access to assistance, rehabilitation and reintegration programmes; (e) Step up efforts aimed at bilateral, regional and international cooperation to prevent trafficking, including by exchanging information and harmonizing legal procedures to prosecute traffickers. 29. The Committee is concerned that a large number of women are subjected to exploitation through prostitution in the State party and that women in prostitution are criminalized under the Penal Code, while few efforts are being made to address the demand side of prostitution. 30. The Committee recommends that the State party review the Penal Code to decriminalize women in prostitution, adopt measures aimed at discouraging male demand for prostitution, expedite the adoption of the pending anti-prostitution bills, address the root causes of prostitution, provide women with alternative income opportunities, and provide assistance, rehabilitation and reintegration programmes for women and girls exploited in prostitution, in addition to exit programmes for women wishing to leave prostitution. Participation in political and public life 31. The Committee welcomes the increased representation of women in the Government, the public service and the judiciary, including at the decision -making level. The Committee also commends the State party on its adoption of the national action plan on women and peace and security, which is aimed at implementing Security Council resolutions 1325 (2000) and 1820 (2008), and the active participation of women in peace and transitional justice processes. The Committee remains concerned, however, about the underrepresentation of women from vulnerable groups, such as indigenous and Muslim women, in all areas of political and public life, and about the lack of information on the adoption of a political party development act, which could mandate parties to apply quotas in the selection of candidates. 8/16 16-12874