A/HRC/WG.6/1/TUN/4 page 14 CRC and CEDAW, as well steps taken towards accession to the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities. He asked also if Tunisia could provide more information regarding vulnerable groups with specific needs. 45. The Libyan Arab Jamahiriya indicated that Tunisia has done a great deal to promote and protect human rights and freedom of expression, to ensure the independency of the judiciary and to promote human rights in the school curriculum. It noted that human rights are a fundamental part of the Tunisian State and noted with appreciation that the Family Code has been reformed. It stated that Tunisia has taken steps to implement recommendations and has adhered to 58 conventions related to labour law and human rights, and stressed that Tunisia paid particular attention to the right to health and to protect human rights. 46. The Democratic Republic of the Congo commended Tunisia’s report and praised the progress made in the protection and promotion of human rights including the consolidation of the Higher Commission on Human Rights and the Human Rights Coordinator. It noted that Tunisia intends to accede to the Optional Protocol to CEDAW, welcomed the fact that Tunisia applies treaty body recommendations and noted, as recognized by UNDP, that economic, social, and cultural rights are being promoted. It indicated that Tunisia is at the forefront of developments in this area and encouraged it to honour commitments by pursuing positive actions with regard to promoting and consolidating human rights. 47. The United States of America welcomed the Tunisian delegation, its report and the useful presentation including the nine steps to promote human rights. It noted the dedication to human rights by Tunisia, and welcomed the engagement of Tunisia with civil society and their input to the national report. On the issue of NGOs and unions, it noted that there have been reports that the registration of some NGOs were refused by the Government and asked what the applicable registration requirements and controls for NGOs operating in Tunisia are. With regard to media freedoms, it noted that there are concerns about the Government seizing domestic newspapers and asked what measures are taken in addressing the issue of freedom of expression. Regarding election laws, the United States noted that there are concerns that access to news media is limited and asked when a 2009 election-specific law will be promulgated and how to encourage access to media. 48. Qatar expressed admiration for Tunisia’s commitment, noting that Tunisia has ratified most of the core human rights instruments and that it is endeavouring to implement these commitments. Qatar noted that Tunisia is seeking to reinforce bodies to promote and protect human rights, and in this context welcomed that Tunisia is reinforcing its national human rights committee and making efforts to ensure that the Paris Principles are adhered to. It also welcomed the large number of NGOs in the country. Qatar recommended that Tunisia continue to implement procedures it has noted and to improve its engagement of obligations at the national level. He also asked what kind of representation civil society has in the Supreme Council and if they have the right to vote. 49. Romania commended Tunisia on commitments assumed in the field of human rights, by acceding to the core international human rights instruments, and also, for its determination to continue its policy of promoting and protecting the human rights. It congratulated Tunisia for the efforts made and progress achieved under the Millennium Development Goals, in improving the economic performance and the social wellbeing of the Tunisian people, including by fighting