A/HRC/11/37 Arabia to alleviate the situation of poor countries affected by the world food crisis and urged it to continue in its vocation of solidarity towards developing countries. 466. Belarus noted that Saudi Arabia had been working to develop further its national judicial system and eradicate discrimination against migrant workers. The Government had accepted the recommendations of Belarus with regard to continuing efforts to protect migrant workers’ rights and child rights. It noted that Saudi Arabia planned to consider the question of acceding to international human rights instruments; a positive decision on that matter would strengthen its national system for the promotion and protection of human rights. Belarus also pointed out that Saudi Arabia had undertaken initiatives, at the national and international levels, to advance dialogue between religions and civilizations and to promote tolerance and world peace. 467. Bahrain welcomed the positive steps taken by Saudi Arabia by its acceptance and implementation of a number of universal periodic review recommendations, including those made by Bahrain, such as the one on the rehabilitation of those suspected or detained in the fight against terrorism. Bahrain welcomed Saudi Arabia’s efforts to continue the dialogue among religions and civilizations, and promote the rights of women and children in conformity with sharia law and international obligations. Saudi Arabia’s action reflected its political will and the importance it attached to the implementation of its international commitments. 468. China noted that Saudi Arabia had submitted a thorough national report to the Working Group, introducing its efforts and achievements in national dialogue, judicial and institutional reform, public health and protection of migrant workers’ rights. China welcomed the replies of Saudi Arabia to the Working Group report, which showed the importance it attached to human rights. China was convinced that the Government of Saudi Arabia, while respecting the specific characteristics of its national culture, would take all the necessary measures to protect the universality of human rights and make new progress in this field. 469. Egypt stated that the review reflected the progress made by Saudi Arabia and its constructive cooperation with international human rights mechanisms. Egypt commended Saudi Arabia for its achievements in human rights institution-building at the national level and for its efforts in the areas of legal and judicial reforms, combating discrimination and violence against women and promoting their participation in the labour market. Egypt supported Saudi Arabia’s efforts to promote and protect human rights within the overall framework of its sovereign right to implement its national legislation in a manner compatible with internationally agreed norms and principles. 470. The United Arab Emirates welcomed Saudi Arabia’s efforts at the national level to promote and protect human rights. The measures taken by Saudi Arabia reflected its determination to continue its efforts in the area of human rights, including legislative and institutional reforms aimed at meeting its economic, cultural, social and political needs and specificities. The universal periodic review recommendations and Saudi Arabia’s voluntary commitments would undoubtedly give new impetus to these worthy efforts. 3. General comments made by other relevant stakeholders 471. The National Association of Cuban Economists noted that Saudi Arabia had achieved important objectives in terms of legislation and in putting into practice economic and social rights. Saudi Arabia helped generously to ease the situation in countries affected by the food crisis, unlike what most developed countries had done. It urged Saudi Arabia to continue its efforts to promote economic, social and cultural rights and to redouble its efforts to guarantee dialogue between religions and civilizations. GE.09-16766 129