A/HRC/15/16 in the group of countries with high human development. As noted by the delegation, Belarus had implemented the Millennium Development Goals related to poverty eradication, equality between men and women, and access to primary education prior to the deadline. 8. According to the delegation, the literacy rate of the Belarusian population was among the highest in the world, standing at 99.7 per cent for adults and 99.8 per cent for minors. 9. The delegation stated that the country’s unemployment rate was the lowest in Eastern Europe. Belarus had the second highest gross domestic product per capita in the Commonwealth of Independent States and one of the lowest poverty rates in the world. Approximately 85.4 per cent of State support was allocated to the needs of the social sector, which was the highest level in the region. The delegation referred to the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development, which ranked Belarus 44th in terms of expenditure on health and education, quality of education and adult literacy, life expectancy, good governance, level of corruption, sanitation and clean water supply. It noted that Belarus was among the world leaders in overcoming economic inequalities. 10. The delegation highlighted the fact that Belarus was party to nearly all core human rights instruments of the United Nations. The Constitution recognized the universally recognized principles of international law and ensured that the country’s legislation was consistent with them. According to the delegation, universally recognized human rights standards were reflected in the relevant national legislation, including, inter alia, laws on political parties, voluntary organizations and trade unions, national minorities, and religious organizations. 11. As noted by the delegation, the President, as the guarantor of the Constitution and of human rights and freedoms, adopted measures to defend and implement citizens’ rights by issuing laws and deciding on specific issues, coordinating action on human rights with the three branches of Government. It also noted that the National Assembly (Parliament) adopted laws, established legal mechanisms, ensured the observance and protection of citizens’ rights and freedoms, and had a Standing Commission for Human Rights. 12. The delegation stated that a network of specialized State-public institutions, including, inter alia, the National Commission on the Rights of the Child, the National Council on Gender Policy and the Inter-Ethnic Advisory Council, operated in the country to promote and protect various categories of human rights. 13. The delegation noted that the Act on Citizens’ Appeals obliged Government bodies and officials to adopt the measures necessary to restore citizens’ rights that had been violated and to oversee their implementation. In 2009, a total of 40,000 appeals had been submitted by citizens on issues involving human rights and policies. 14. According to the delegation, there were currently 2,200 non-governmental organizations and 15 political parties. Belarus had an effective and independent judiciary; it noted that this was an important factor for human rights protection. 15. The delegation referred to the data of both the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development, according to which Belarusian women enjoyed a high level of civil liberties, and the Inter-Parliamentary Union, according to which Belarus ranked 19th in the world in terms of the level of representation of women in Parliament. It stated that 36 women’s organizations operated in the country. According to the delegation, women held 19.3 per cent of senior positions in State bodies and 46.4 per cent of judgeships. 16. As noted by the delegation, Belarus devoted special attention to ensuring opportunities for children’s self-expression, and there were 23 children’s organizations and 141 youth associations receiving financial support from the State. The number of adoptions 4