A/HRC/13/14 27. Thailand welcomed the establishment of a ministerial-level National Council on Social Issues to identify issues, revise and promulgate legislation and ensure their effective implementation, hoping it would help ensure translation of international obligations into domestic law. It commended also the attention given to children, women, persons with disabilities and the elderly. Thailand underlined its readiness to continue cooperating with Brunei Darussalam to strengthen human rights within ASEAN. Thailand made recommendations. 28. Malaysia commended Brunei Darussalam’s systematic and balanced approach in implementing civil political rights, a well as economic, social and cultural rights. Malaysia was also encouraged to note continued efforts to improve the well-being of Brunei Darussalam’s people. It noted that the focus on investing substantially in public service, education, public health care, welfare and employment would further improve the human rights situation. Malaysia made recommendations. 29. Singapore commended Brunei Darussalam’s impressive efforts to safeguard the welfare and future of its people, while also preserving its cultural traditions and social values. It noted the education policy, the 2007 Compulsory Education Order and the launch of the 21st Century Educational System. Commending Brunei Darussalam’s efforts to eradicate poverty through policies aimed at raising the standard of living for all, Singapore especially applauded the Government’s distribution of B$90 million in Muslim charity funds in 2009 to more than 4,000 poor households. It also cited the 2009 pension scheme, which would give pensioners an additional monthly annuity for at least 20 years after retirement. 30. The Netherlands noted that Brunei Darussalam had not acceded to most of the core international human rights instruments and had made broad reservations to the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination against Women (CEDAW) and the Convention on the Rights of the Child (CRC). The Netherlands also expressed that the Penal Code does not criminalize marital rape if the wife is not under 13 years of age, and the rape of men and boys. It further expressed concern at the existence of criminal sanctions against “carnal intercourse against the order of nature” and that such provisions may be applied to criminalize sexual activity between consenting adults. The Netherlands made recommendations. 31. Qatar noted considerable achievements in human rights, which are guaranteed by the Constitution and national laws. Such achievements, including in the areas of education, security, institution building and the environment, as well as economic and social rights generally, were made within the framework of Brunei Darussalam’s long term development plans and in accordance with United Nations standards, with the aim of fulfilling the Millennium Development Goals. 32. Belarus noted Brunei Darussalam’s achievements in the area of economic and social rights, with specific attention to the special needs of children, including orphans and disabled children. In relation to children’s rights, Belarus highlighted recent measures, including the creation of juvenile courts. Belarus made a recommendation. 33. Indonesia observed notable socio-economic development of Brunei Darussalam since its independence, accompanied by political and social stability, which enhanced the living standards and enjoyment of the human rights of its citizens. Indonesia noted with appreciation Brunei Darussalam’s support for the establishment of the ASEAN Intergovernmental Human Rights Commission and encouraged the establishment of a national human rights institution in Brunei Darussalam. Indonesia asked if Brunei Darussalam had plans to accede to further core human rights treaties in the foreseeable future. Indonesia made a recommendation. 7