A/HRC/13/14 67. Senegal highlighted achievements, perspectives and difficulties in the protection and promotion of human rights. It welcomed the Government’s commitment to continue and strengthen its interaction with the civil society, and the appeal to receive greater technical assistance from the international community, including from relevant United Nations human rights mechanisms. Senegal encouraged the Government to accede to and ratify further core international instruments. Senegal also noted the ongoing achievements of the “Ambitions of Brunei Darussalam 2035” project and encouraged Brunei Darussalam in present efforts to promote and protect human rights, calling upon the international community to support it. 68. Saudi Arabia noted the recent adoption of legislation to promote and protect human rights, including the rights of women and children. It commended the importance placed by Brunei Darussalam on protection of family values. With due regard to the progress achieved in human rights and in realising the Millennium Development Goals, it made recommendations for the continuation of Brunei Darussalam’s efforts. 69. Cuba applauded particularly the free access to health care for all citizens and permanent residents. It highlighted efforts undertaken by the country to prevent HIV/AIDS and to provide care for those who are affected by this pandemic, especially women and young people. Cuba also made recommendations. 70. Portugal welcomed Brunei Darussalam’s identification of challenges, progress, constraints and priorities in the protection and promotion of human rights. It noted, however, that Brunei Darussalam had not acceded to some of the main human rights instruments. It asked whether Brunei Darussalam intended to amend legal provisions, including the Penal Code, to replace the death penalty with other penalties, noting that executions no longer occur in the country. It also asked whether the minimum age of criminal responsibility remained seven years. Portugal made recommendations. 71. Jordan commended Brunei Darussalam for its efforts to promote human rights, including through the adoption of pertinent legislation and by empowering local communities. Jordan expressed appreciation for efforts to strengthen the institutional framework, including establishment of bodies focused specifically on children, and hoped that Brunei Darussalam would continue to appropriately support these bodies. Jordan also made recommendations. 72. Bhutan noted impressive progress in all domains of human development, and the importance of education and health care for the overall enjoyment of human rights. It made recommendations in this regard. 73. Argentina noted the increased access for women in the labour force. It also noted that Brunei Darussalam is an abolitionist state, although the death penalty is still present in its legislation. Argentina made a number of recommendations. 74. The Syrian Arab Republic commended Brunei Darussalam for its approach of promoting and protecting human rights through safeguarding the welfare of all, especially the vulnerable. It also appreciated the importance placed by Brunei Darussalam on religious freedom and tolerance as well as its role in the Alliance of Civilizations. The Syrian Arab Republic expressed appreciation for Brunei Darussalam’s efforts in achieving development, and made a recommendation. 75. In response to questions and comments during the interactive dialogue, the delegation of Brunei Darussalam thanked all the speakers for their questions and recommendations. In relation to comments regarding the Millennium Development Goals, the delegation noted that Brunei Darussalam was close to achieving them before 2015. 76. With regard to the elaboration of its national report and the role of civil society, Brunei Darussalam highlighted that there has been an extensive process and expressed 12