A/HRC/17/7 perceived as politically, culturally or sexually offensive. It inquired about measures to stop harassment of journalists and writers for criticizing Government policies or public services. 83. Nepal highlighted the significant progress by Oman in different fields concerning economic, social and cultural rights, particularly in relation to women and children, and in the fields of health and education. It noted that Oman occupied a dignified rank in the global human development index. It highlighted efforts towards establishing the National Human Rights Commission and the National Committee for Combating Human Trafficking. 84. Germany commended Oman for the establishment of the National Human Rights Commission and sought its views regarding a future ICC accreditation. It noted that while the Labour Code affirmed the equality of all workers, this applied to citizens only. Germany enquired about Omani plans to grant civil rights to non-citizens, particularly expatriate workers. 85. Australia welcomed progress particularly in economic, social and cultural rights. It was nonetheless concerned that inequality between men and women was enshrined in Omani law. It appreciated the initiative to raise the minimum working age from 13 to 15 years old, as part of efforts to end child labour. Australia was concerned that access to education was restricted to girls. It was also concerned by new measures further restricting freedom of opinion and expression. Australia remained concerned that capital punishment was a part of Omani law. 86. China appreciated the establishment by Oman of a national legal infrastructure and the incorporation of human rights principles in its law and institutions. It noted the promulgation of the law on combating human trafficking and the establishment of a related national committee. China commended the Omani progress in education and public health as noted by UNDP and its active role in the global initiative on road safety. It hoped the international community would respect Oman for its traditions and customs as an Islamic country. 87. In closing remarks, Oman noted that it was considering the possibility of acceding to ICCPR and the International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights (ICESCR). Oman would be regularly reviewing the conventions it had already acceded to in order to consider the removal of reservations made to them. Oman confirmed its decision to withdraw four of its reservations to CRC and to limit the scope of its fifth and final reservation. Oman was going to train more people at the national level and increase capacity building in order to prepare for the accession to additional international human rights treaties. 88. Oman indicated that it would ensure coordination in the follow-up to UPR among all human rights stakeholders, including the national human rights institution and civil society, to evaluate the outcome of the review and to develop national plans and relevant human rights legislations. II. Conclusions and/or recommendations 89. The recommendations formulated during the interactive dialogue and listed below have been examined by Oman and enjoy the support of Oman: 89.1. In the context of continuing its consideration concerning its accession to international treaties, accord priority to accession to the two fundamental international human rights conventions (Algeria); 89.2. Consider ratification of basic international instruments (Turkey); 13