A/HRC/13/14 appreciation for the role of non-governmental organizations, which had been fully involved in the preparation of the national report and whose interest in the process was also reflected by their presence in the room. 77. With regard to questions on the ratification of human rights instruments, Brunei Darussalam noted that this concerned five treaties as mentioned in its national report, and that Brunei Darussalam was looking at all others. 78. On the question of a national human rights institution, Brunei Darussalam explained that it had an inter-agency consultative mechanism on human rights, in which nongovernmental organisations and civil society were also represented. Regionally, Brunei Darussalam worked with other ASEAN countries in setting up the ASEAN Intergovernmental Commission on Human Rights as well the ASEAN Commission on the Promotion and Protection on the Rights of Women and Children, which is to be established by April 2010. This set the stage for further understanding of the role and functions of a human rights institution. It was also an opportunity for Brunei Darussalam to share its best practices as well as learn from others on ways to promote and protect human rights. 79. On children’s rights, Brunei Darussalam stated that the Government had made great efforts to ensure that the welfare of all citizens was well taken care of. This was apparent in both the Syariah law and Civil law which ensured the rights of children were protected without discrimination. 80. In relation to questions on corporal punishment and sexual violence, Brunei Darussalam explained that its society was underpinned by the family system, but that there were also specific laws that sought to address all forms of physical and psychological violence and sexual abuse against children. These laws were generally in conformity with the principles and articles ofCRC. Furthermore, regular and systematic awareness programmes were undertaken by the Department of Community Development to publicize and sensitize society on the rights of the child, for instance, by having weekly road shows in schools and weekly media programmes. On corporal punishment in schools, the delegation indicated that it had been prohibited since 1984. 81. With regard to women’s rights, it was noted that protective legislation existed both in Civil and Syariah laws, such as the Married Women Act and the Islamic Family Law Order 1999. 82. In relation to recommendations concerning standing invitations for special procedures, Brunei Darussalam noted that, should there be any such request, Brunei Darussalam would definitely welcome this. 83. On migrant workers issues, Brunei Darussalam welcomed workers of other nationalities provided they fulfilled established labour and immigration requirements to ensure their rights and welfare were protected. The Employment Order 2009, which was passed in September and its Employment (Domestic Workers) Regulations 2009, provided comprehensive measures to further stabilize security, welfare, safety and the protection of workers’ rights by taking into account the standards of the International Labour Organizations. This Order incorporated aspects such as legal action in the event of nonpayment of salary, worker health, accommodation and medical care standards as well as responsibility for repatriation expenses. It covered all employees with no differentiation between local and foreign employees. In 2008, there were approximately, 87,000 foreign workers working in Brunei Darussalam, constituting about a third of the population. 84. With regard to sexual-related matters, Brunei Darussalam re-iterated that the core value of Brunei Darussalam society was the family institution as the basic unit of society. Family values were an important factor in development as well as in securing a safe and loving environment. Tradition and cultural factors also played an important role. 13