A/HRC/11/25* remarkable results achieved in the improvement of the wellbeing of its population over 30 years, noting that this is the most impressive achievement given China’s vast territories, largely diverse and dispersed population of over 1.3 billion. Myanmar stated it had consistently exercised the “One China Policy” as a fundamental principle of its relations with China. As an immediate neighbour with long-standing traditional close ties of friendship with China, Myanmar stated that it sympathized with and understood the challenges faced by China with regard to human rights issues. In this connection, Myanmar strongly opposed politicizing human rights issues and using them to interfere in others’ internal affairs. 95. Brazil noted that China, with a population of 1.32 billion people comprising 56 ethnic groups and living in a vast territory, had striven to provide its people with equal access to food, health, employment, adequate housing, education and development and had succeeded in its endeavour. It was the first country to meet the poverty reduction target set in the MDGs. Illiteracy had been virtually eliminated among the young and middle-aged. Brazil also welcomed China’s constitutional provisions stipulating that “the State respects and safeguards human rights”. It recognized that China has made great achievements in the area of human rights, but noted concerns about elimination of discrimination against women and regarding labour rights. It welcomed additional comments on China’s strategy to expand its social security system. Brazil recommended to China, bearing in mind resolution 9/12 entitled “Human Rights Goals”, (a) to ratify the ICCPR and to adhere to both the (b) Rome Statute of the ICC and (c) the OP-CAT. It further recommended that China (d) consider establishing a moratorium on death penalty; adopt specific legislation on domestic violence; and continue its cooperation with OHCHR. 96. Italy welcomed growing attention to the economic and social disparities among urban and rural regions, adoption of new measures on the rights of workers, disabled persons, women and children, and the preparation of a National Action Plan for Human Rights. It recommended that China (a) lift secrecy on figures and statistics concerning death penalty; restrict its application to the most serious crimes according to international minimum standards; and to consider the establishment of a moratorium on the use of death penalty with a view to its abolition; (b) simplify requirements for official approval of religious practices in order to allow more individuals to exercise their freedom of religion and belief and to better respect the religious rights of minorities; and (c) respond positively to requests of visits made by United Nations special procedures and to consider issuing a standing invitation to them. 97. Hungary welcomed China’s achievement in human rights and took positive note of the fact that China is party to the main human rights conventions, encouraging China to ratify the ICCPR. It took pride in being China’s partner in a common bilateral human rights dialogue, recognizing China’s commitment to the issue of human rights, expressing hope that this dialogue would continue with the same regularity and intensity. Hungary expressed concern that forced labour could be a corrective measure in China, such as child labour in school, and that these could result in exploitation of children. It sought further information on China’s position on this issue. Hungary welcomed the steps taken by China to guarantee the rights to freedom of speech and to freedom of religion. Hungary praised the new Chinese programme which targets to resolve the countryside’ supply with telephone, radio, and television. It also fully acknowledged the importance of the fact that, according to the provisions of the Constitution, Chinese citizens have the right to freely express their opinion. Hungary recommended that China accept different opinion if it is expressed by human rights defenders through peaceful demonstration. 98. Malaysia commended the Government’s efforts for its determination and commitment in pursuing economic development and it shared the view that economic development is important for the full enjoyment of human rights by the people. It noted GE.09-16299 23