A/HRC/17/7 necessary steps to counteract the growing global phenomenon of human trafficking and address certain undesirable practices in both sending and receiving countries concerning the exploitation of workers for the purposes of human trafficking. 19. Oman had established the National Human Rights Commission to perform oversight and assessment tasks and monitor the human rights situation on the ground. Oman had already made a commitment to ensure that it was functioning is in accordance with the principles relating to the status of national institutions for the promotion and protection of human rights (Paris Principles). 20. Oman had taken major steps forward and made extraordinary progress over the past 40 years by promoting awareness, enacting laws and building institutions aimed at achieving the best possible outcome. The goal of consolidating the national human rights system constituted an ongoing task for Oman. B. Interactive dialogue and responses by the State under review 21. During the interactive dialogue, 51 delegations made statements. A number of delegations thanked Oman for its constructive participation, openness and willingness to cooperate in the universal periodic review process and acknowledged Omani efforts in the promotion and protection of human rights. Active dialogue with civil society during the preparation of the national report was positively noted. Additional statements which could not be delivered during the interactive dialogue owing to time constraints have been posted on the Extranet of the universal periodic review where available.1 Recommendations made during the dialogue can be found in chapter II of the present report. 22. Qatar noted that over the past few decades Oman had succeeded in establishing a well-developed legal system for the protection of human rights, and that the main provisions in this regard were contained in the Basic Law. Oman had also created an institutional framework, including the National Human Rights Commission. The right to development, and particularly human development, were at the centre of national policies. This had enabled Oman to realize social and economic rights, in particular for women and children, and in the areas of health and education. 23. Saudi Arabia highlighted major developments which had taken place in Oman over the past few decades and had led to a better protection and promotion of human rights, both at the legal and the institutional level. Saudi Arabia particularly commended achievements in the area of education and in spreading a human rights culture in the different segments of Omani society. 24. The United Arab Emirates commended the integration of fundamental human rights principles in the Omani Constitution and legislation, in line with international instruments. It also appreciated the achievements in the economic, social and cultural fields, noting that, according to UNDP, Oman ranked among the top ten countries internationally with regard to the pace of progress in education and health in the past few decades. The United Arab Emirates also commented on the importance placed by Oman on combating human trafficking. 25. Bahrain noted that Oman had adopted a number of policies to promote human rights, in particular the right to education and women’s rights, and commended that education was provided free of charge for all citizens. Awareness-raising on human rights was part of the general education and the work of the media. Bahrain also highlighted the importance given 1 Afghanistan, Djibouti, Republic of Korea, Latvia, Nicaragua, Palestine, Somalia. 5