A/HRC/8/32 Page 18 because of its unique experience in combating racism and xenophobia, South Africa is morally and politically equipped to assume a leading regional and worldwide role in promoting tolerance and coexistence among ethnic and religious minorities. Jordan thus recommended that South Africa make available to the Human Rights Council, as an example of sharing best practices, some of its initiatives in this regard. 61. The United Republic of Tanzania commended South Africa on promoting and protecting human rights in a multicultural nation that has seen varied historical dynamics. Tanzania noted the performance of South Africa and its efforts in the area of human rights, as well as the immense challenges that impinge on the realization of all human rights, especially those emanating from an historical past. It welcomed the frankness and inclusiveness which characterized the preparation of the national report and the information provided by a significant number of stakeholders. It also noted with satisfaction the steps undertaken by South Africa to implement regional and international treaty obligations in the area of human rights as well as its intention to sign and ratify yet a number of other international human rights instruments. In this respect, Tanzania enquired about the ratification of ICESCR by South Africa. 62. Indonesia commended South Africa on its ongoing ratification of ICESCR, ICRMW and the Optional Protocol to CAT. It also indicated that South Africa is a country that has been able to rise from the legacy of its painful past and construct a modern democracy which is itself an exceptional model. Indonesia noted that South Africa’s Constitution provides guarantees for fundamental freedoms. In respect of social and cultural rights, it noted that South Africa has been actively implementing strategies to improve availability and access to housing and health care as well as equality and empowerment of women and the disabled within the workplace. Indonesia indicated that South Africa continues to champion the fight against HIV/AIDS in Africa. Indonesia also applauded South Africa for its ongoing and progressive realization of human rights through its existing national mechanisms and institutions such as the Law Reform Commission and the South African Human Rights Commission. Indonesia sought further information on its strategies to promote education and health-care facilitation. 63. Bangladesh noted the encouraging picture of the situation of human rights in South Africa as described in the national report. It also referred to South Africa’s struggle against the apartheid regime and the transition to a non-discriminatory and democratic society. Bangladesh noted that South Africa has adopted a large number of international human rights instruments, a new Constitution and a legal framework, demonstrating a clear commitment to the promotion and protection of human rights. Bangladesh commended South Africa on its acknowledgement of the difficulty it faced in ensuring the practical enjoyment of all human rights for all citizens. It also commended South Africa on the measures taken to address challenges and redress inequalities. Bangladesh noted in that regard that South Africa has made efforts, inter alia, to tackle poverty, social insecurity and HIV/AIDS, and universal primary education should be achieved by 2015. While noting that South Africa has achieved gender parity, it sought further information on the concern expressed by the CRC that inequality still exists in accessing education in some parts of the country. 64. The Islamic Republic of Iran noted the strong commitment and positive approach showed by South Africa and commended it on its valuable efforts and constructive measures for the promotion and protection of all human rights. Iran noted the long struggle the South Africans faced during the apartheid regime for social justice, human rights and fundamental freedoms. Iran noted with interest and appreciation the various measures and initiatives taken by South Africa to realize civil and political rights as well as economic, social and cultural rights, including the right to development. It sought further information on the concrete measures taken by South Africa to eradicate poverty and