A/HRC/11/37 the right to food. Algeria paid tribute to Cuba for its progress in the area of human rights, social justice and democracy. 426. Egypt commended Cuba for its efforts and the significant advances in the area of economic, social and cultural rights. Cuba’s achievements in the field of health care had been beneficial to many countries, especially in Africa, and the heath assistance provided without condition indicated Cuba’s belief in international solidarity. Cuba demonstrated through the universal periodic review a high degree of professionalism and openness, and the huge number of recommendations accepted was testimony to its engagement with the Council and other bodies. Egypt thanked Cuba for its detailed replies to the recommendations. 3. General comments made by other relevant stakeholders 427. The Women International Democratic Federation noted that the recommendations made to Cuba about sharing its experiences in the fields of education, social work, health, cooperation and international solidarity were deserved. Cuba protected all human rights, cooperated with United Nations mechanisms and had achieved important results in gender equality and empowerment. Despite obstacles, most of them caused by the prolonged and genocidal blockade imposed by the United States of America, Cuba kept moving forward and represented an example of dignity, courage and strength for the world. 428. The Centre of Studies about Youth recalled that young people in Cuba were born under the brutal blockade imposed by the United States. It stressed that children and young people had been guaranteed free education and the continuation of their studies, were free to express their opinions and gather in various associations, had access to the public health system and had an automatic right to participate in the election process. It indicated that there were 20 members of Parliament who were less than 30 years of age. 429. The National Association of Cuban Economists pointed out that, despite the blockade, Cuba had the lowest infant mortality rate in the continent and a life expectancy rate exceeding that of developed countries, and that education up to the university level was guaranteed, as was full employment, shelter and food. Trade was systematically affected by the blockade and the tourist sector was threatened. Cuba shared its achievements with other peoples, aware that solidarity was the highest expression of the capacity of a people to exercise its will with dignity and respect. 430. The World Federation of Trade Unions stated that it had been in close contact with the true trade union movement in Cuba and congratulated Cuba for results in the enjoyment of human rights and for its political will to build a society for the welfare of all, which had been achieved under a cruel blockade. Cuba contributed to the improvement of human rights through international solidarity and was committed to human rights, as was reflected in the 60 recommendations accepted. 431. Organización de solidaridad de los pueblos de África, Asia y America, in a joint statement with the Indian Movement Tupaj Amaru and the World Peace Council, noted that Cuba enjoyed extensive respect at the international level, having defended its selfdetermination and independence. It referred to Cuba’s cooperation and solidarity with other peoples, unlike those who looted and destroyed the planet, referring to Operation Milagro. In the area of education, 3.5 million people had been taught to read in 24 countries. 432. The China NGO Network for International Exchanges noted Cuba’s programme for social justice and equality. It welcomed Cuba’s tireless efforts to improve the living standards of its people and its active participation in international cooperation on human rights. It welcomed the positive attitude of Cuba towards the universal periodic review and its cooperation with the Council. It recommended that Cuba take more concrete measures 124 GE.09-16766