A/HRC/15/16 economic and social rights, including the right to work, health and education. It also noted positive momentum in the protection of civil and political rights. The Russian Federation made recommendations. 24. Bhutan noted the efforts of Belarus to educate the general population about human rights. It welcomed the methods and strategies employed in promoting the rights of the child and noted steps taken to achieve gender equality. It made recommendations. 25. The United Arab Emirates noted that, despite many challenges, Belarus had worked to improve the human rights system, especially regarding the right to health and education. It also expressed satisfaction at its cooperation with Belarus in the human rights field, in particular concerning the trafficking in persons. The United Arab Emirates also appreciated the efforts of Belarus regarding care for children and asked what further measures had been taken to protect their rights. 26. Brazil highlighted the positive developments concerning women's rights, but noted that the legislation lacked provisions on gender equality and violence against women. It mentioned the importance of creating a juvenile justice system and of prohibiting corporal punishment. It encouraged Belarus to pay due attention to racist and xenophobic incidents. It made recommendations. 27. Tunisia noted the recent establishment of the Advisory Council, an independent institution playing a positive role in formulating proposals aimed at contributing to the country’s socio-economic and political well-being. It welcomed the adoption of the national plan for gender equality 2008-2010 and the fact that the relevant development goal set out in the Millennium Declaration had been achieved. Tunisia made a recommendation. 28. Algeria congratulated Belarus on the progress made in the area of economic, social and cultural rights despite the Chernobyl nuclear accident in 1986, which had placed it among the first in its region and beyond in terms of achieving the Millennium Development Goals. Algeria made recommendations. 29. Bahrain noted policies and initiatives to protect human rights, such as the right to health, and efforts to combat the trafficking in persons. It valued the efforts to provide medical care free of charge and to reduce the mortality and morbidity rates. Bahrain acknowledged the country’s efforts to harmonize its legislation with international standards in order to rehabilitate trafficking victims. 30. Azerbaijan referred to the positive policy of Belarus to ensure dignified living standards for its population despite difficulties, noting the reductions in maternal and infant mortality. It congratulated Belarus on its policy related to the Millennium Development Goals and praised its national and international efforts in combating trafficking. Azerbaijan made recommendations. 31. Lithuania noted the attention devoted to ensuring social and economic rights and recognized both its national and its international efforts in combating human trafficking. Lithuania made recommendations. 32. Egypt welcomed the dissemination of human rights education and the establishment of a national action plan. It lauded the efforts of Belarus to ensure the right to work and its ability to achieve a number of development goals set out in the Millennium Declaration. It requested elaboration on the country’s efforts, achievements and challenges in combating human trafficking. It made recommendations. 33. Singapore commended Belarus for steps taken to further advance women’s and children’s rights through respective plans of action. It congratulated Belarus on its low unemployment rate and stated that the country had done well in the areas of housing, health and education. Singapore made a recommendation. 6