A/HRC/13/14
an annual publishing permit from the Minister of Human Affairs and that all nongovernmental organizations need to obtain a license from the government and made
recommendations on these aspects, among others.
52.
The Islamic Republic of Iran appreciated Brunei Darussalam’s efforts and strong
commitments to promote and protect human rights and to address challenges. It
commended Brunei Darussalam’s eradication of extreme poverty. It sought further
information on the Compulsory Education Order and its achievements. Commending
Brunei Darussalam’s emphasis on family values, it also highly appreciated the application
of Shari’ah law in the legal system. Iran made recommendations.
53.
The United States of America commended Brunei Darussalam’s enforcement of
labour statutes protecting workers from abusive employers, but was concerned that
enforcement was not as robust in cases involving unskilled foreign workers. It remained
concerned at restrictions on religious freedom, including the ban on religious groups such
as the Baha’I, bans on proselytizing by religious groups other than the Shafi’i school of
Islam, and bans on the importation of religious materials such as the Bible, the
establishment of new places of worship, and the teaching of other religious traditions. It
made a number of recommendations.
54.
The Republic of Korea noted with appreciation the establishment of the National
Council on Social Issues to address such issues as poverty, women and family, persons with
disabilities and the aged. It commended the remarkable advancement of women,
particularly in the civil service, of which women constitute about 56 per cent. It appreciated
Brunei Darussalam’s signing CPRD and made recommendations in this regard. It also
welcomed Brunei Darussalam’s voluntary pledge to continue to work closely with nongovernmental organizations s and encouraged such engagement.
55.
Venezuela highlighted the excellent and comprehensive healthcare system put in
place by the Government through its national healthcare plan 2000-2010, which offers basic
free health care services for the entire population. Venezuela made a recommendation.
56.
China appreciated Brunei Darussalam’s commitment to poverty elimination and
improving people’s living standards. It noted in particular that Brunei Darussalam had set
up the National Council on Social Issues and adopted many legal measures to protect the
right of women, children, people with disabilities, the elderly and other vulnerable people.
China acknowledged that Brunei Darussalam valued education and that 17 per cent of its
gross domestic product was accounted for in education. It noted with interest the Brunei
Darussalam vision for the year 2035 and asked for further elaboration on targets set in the
vision for promotion and protection of human rights.
57.
Japan commended Brunei for maintaining a high standard of education, reflected in
the 94.9 per cent adult literacy rate, for providing education free-of-charge up to university
level and guaranteeing equal opportunities in education. Japan asked, in relation to the
human rights of foreign workers, about the contents and implementation of the
Employment Order 2009 and the Employment (Domestic Workers) Regulation 2009. It
also asked what improvements had been made to the situation in response to the
recommendation made by the Committee on the Rights of the Child in 2003 to abolish
corporal punishment. Japan made a recommendation.
58.
Latvia noted, citing the Committee on the Rights of the Child, good education
indicators, the broad scope of education and high enrolment rates. Latvia touched upon the
issue of standing invitations to special procedures and made a recommendation in this
regard.
59.
The United Kingdom acknowledged Brunei Darussalam’s success in achieving
peace and stability, economic prosperity and positive social indicators, and forging of a
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