A/HRC/13/13 situation in addition to the loss of human life. Recommendations made during the interactive dialogue appear in section II of the present report. 18. Brazil considered DPRK’s participation in the UPR as an important step. It believes that through improved cooperation and genuine dialogue, including with Special Procedures, the UN and the international community would be able to assist the DPRK. Brazil asked about internal challenges to the promotion and protection of human rights and remained concerned about allegations of executions in political detention camps and the disparities in public distribution of food. Brazil hoped that DPRK authorities would reestablish full-fledged investigations on the abduction of Japanese nationals 19. Japan noted certain positive steps undertaken by DPRK such as engaging in dialogue with the Committee on the Rights of the Child and cooperating with UNICEF to improve health situation and quality education for children. Japan expressed its regret that DPRK did not fully respond to the various concerns of international community including punishment against those citizens expelled or returned from abroad, public executions, the abduction issue and the issue of detention facilities. Japan was also concerned about those who are suffering. 20. The Republic of Korea noted the recent positive efforts of DPRK to engage with the Committee on the Rights of the Child and to stipulate in the Constitution that the State shall respect and protect human rights. However, it remained concerned about the detention in political prison camps and violations of the freedoms of movement, expression, thought and religion; a huge gap between the recognition of human rights in legal codes and their actual implementation, and the situations of separated families, prisoners of war and abductees. It urged the Government to take all necessary measures at the grassroots level to uphold human rights and fundamental freedoms enshrined in the Constitution and domestic laws as well as in human rights treaties such as ICCPR, ICESCR, CEDAW and CRC, to which DPRK is a party. It strongly encouraged the Government to accept the technical assistance offered by OHCHR. 21. Cuba noted that the imposition of a Special Rapporteur and the political manipulation vis à vis DPRK does not lead to cooperation and dialogue. DPRK is a developing country, victim of imperialistic aggressive policies, and recurring natural disasters. DPRK works to consolidate a socialist and just society, which guarantees equality and social justice. Cuba highlighted, inter alia, the existence of a universal and free health system, the elimination of illiteracy and access to education for all. 22. The United States of America was concerned by reports on allegations of extrajudicial execution, torture, systematic deprivation of due process and of forced labour. It referred to the lack of remedies or transparent accountability in dealing with allegations of abuse and expressed concern about reports of violence against women. Urging DPRK to grant access to the Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights in DPRK, it enquired about efforts to deal with these issues. 23. Belgium noted the recent inclusion of human rights in the Constitution, but remained concerned by reports on the situation of political prisoners and the conditions of detention. It asked what mechanisms of control exist to ensure human conditions of detention specifically in camps of political prisoners. It asked about specific measures taken to combat food shortages. 24. Algeria requested more information about the Juche concept. It welcomed efforts to promote the right to education, which have allowed achieving the MDG for primary education for all. Algeria referred to difficulties in realizing the right to food, including for children suffering from malnutrition, due to natural disasters, famine and appeal the international community to provide DPRK population with food assistance. 5