A/HRC/17/7 priority and respect to human dignity. These values and principles provided a solid basis for the promotion and protection of human rights. The Syrian Arab Republic noted that Oman had acceded to a large number of human rights instruments and that it pursued constructive cooperation with different human rights mechanisms. 66. Sweden welcomed the ratification by Oman of CEDAW, but noted that women continued facing discrimination in law and practice, regarding their personal status and employment and their subordination to male guardians. It noted the existence of the death penalty. Concerning the freedom of expression, Sweden expressed concerns at arbitrary arrests and restrictions by law and practice. Noting that homosexuality was illegal and punished according to sharia law, it inquired how LGBT rights could be safeguarded. 67. Slovakia commended, inter alia, legislative measures strengthening the legal protection for children, the bill for the care and rehabilitation of persons with disabilities, and the Law on Combating Human Trafficking. Slovakia was concerned that the Press and Publication Law allowed the censoring of publications. It was particularly concerned about reports of harassment of journalists and writers for criticizing Government policies in recent years. It noted that women continued to face inequality in areas such as marriage, divorce, inheritance, child custody and employment. 68. Uzbekistan underlined the Omani constitutional human rights protection and the special attention it attached to the rights to health, education and work. Uzbekistan welcomed in particular the establishment of the National Human Rights Commission as an independent institution fostering cooperation with civil society. Noting efforts to combat human trafficking, it inquired about results of implementing the Law on Combating Human Trafficking and the work of the National Committee for Combating Human Trafficking. 69. Chile highlighted Omani efforts in human rights and urged the Government to continue to consolidate the legal framework for the effective promotion and protection of human rights. It congratulated Oman on its determination to reach the second millennium development goal concerning free education, and to reduce the illiteracy rate. 70. The United States of America commended the progress of Oman in the areas of education, public health and workers’ rights, particularly the increase of schools and elementary school enrolment rates. Increased spending on health services and awareness campaigns had led to greater life expectancy and reduced infant mortality rates. It noted that migrant workers could join unions, and that women were protected from dismissal for reasons of sickness, pregnancy or childbirth. It remained concerned that Omani women married to non-nationals could not pass their citizenship to their children, and at the prevalence of human trafficking. It also noted inequalities with regard to the work conditions of non-Omani workers, especially the lack of a legal minimum wage and work hour limits. 71. Oman noted that, during a very short period of time, it had established legal structures for the protection of workers rights in conformity with international standards. Oman had adopted the new Labour Law in 2003, providing equal rights for all workers. 72. Oman commented on the protection of domestic workers, and noted that regulations to combat trafficking in persons required recruitment agencies to comply with all regulations of the countries of origin of workers, to maintain a registry with information on the workers brought to Oman and to conclude a model contract with the employer to protect the workers and their rights. 73. The Labour Law did not make a distinction between Omani and migrant workers. Oman respected the rights of workers, including those temporarily employed. Oman had committed itself voluntarily to review a number of labour-related laws, taking account of ILO Conventions Nos. 87 and 98, as a prelude to adopting the necessary measures. Oman 11