A/HRC/15/16 60. The delegation noted that a similar situation prevailed with regard to trade union activity. Belarus had been a member of the International Labour Organization since 1954 and had ratified 49 of its conventions. 61. Belarus stated that the monopolization of the media by the State or by private individuals or entities was prohibited. According to the delegation, the State did not regulate Internet media. Equal economic conditions existed for the development of all media, irrespective of their ownership. The 2009 Law on Mass Media had established the legal mechanisms for independent professional media activity and simplified the procedure for establishing media. 62. The delegation noted that its legislation enshrined and ensured the conduct of elections in accordance with the international treaties to which it was a party. Thus, Belarus followed the generally recognized standards for the preparation and conduct of elections, although there were, unfortunately, no universal criteria by which to evaluate the democratic nature of elections. According to the delegation, the law on elections was being constantly improved, and the Electoral Code had recently been amended to extend the rights of participants in election campaigns as well as those of observers. Belarus followed the principle that elections should be observed, and elections in Belarus were monitored not only by a large number of national observers, but also by foreign observers, including representatives of international organizations. 63. Nicaragua emphasized that Belarus had developed a democratic State and had attained the poverty eradication objective set out in the Millennium Declaration. Nicaragua made recommendations. 64. The Libyan Arab Jamahiriya noted that Belarus had brought its national legislation into line with human rights instruments. Libya praised the introduction of human rights education in primary schools and similar awareness-raising measures. Libya made recommendations. 65. Oman noted the commitment of Belarus to human rights protection, as demonstrated by its achievements in eradicating poverty and reducing unemployment rates and maternal and child mortality rates, as well as achievements in education and other areas. Oman made recommendations. 66. Bangladesh noted that the economic success of Belarus had led to a steady reduction in poverty, helped to foster the enjoyment of human rights and made progress in the health sector. It noted the significant efforts made in combating human trafficking, and its commitment to engage constructively with the United Nations human rights mechanisms. Bangladesh made recommendations. 67. Spain thanked Belarus for the presentation of its national report and made recommendations. 68. Uzbekistan noted that Belarus was implementing measures to protect human rights. It observed that Belarus had transposed their provision in its national legislation. Uzbekistan commended efforts in the areas of health and education and in combating human trafficking. Uzbekistan made recommendations. 69. The Islamic Republic of Iran noted that Belarus had extended constructive cooperation to the international human rights machinery. It highlighted achievements regarding most of the Millennium Development Goals, including those related to poverty eradication, illiteracy and infant and maternal mortality. Iran made recommendations. 70. Indonesia commended Belarus for its measures to ensure the right to education and achieve a high literacy rate. It referred to the country’s attention to the educational needs of 10