A/HRC/11/37 departments before finalizing its response to the recommendations, which was available as a public document. 278. Bangladesh had accepted almost all recommendations, with action already initiated to implement some of them. One or two could not be accepted as they were in conflict with Bangladesh’s Constitution, legal provisions or deeply-held social values. In a few cases, explanations had also been provided to better understand the context of human rights protection and Bangladesh hoped the Council would understand and appreciate this approach. Bangladesh stated that its commitment to the promotion of human rights was not limited to these recommendations. It was convinced that it needed to continuously pursue higher norms and standards, be it in the area of human rights or in socio-economic development. It also referred to its institutional framework in addressing all human rights challenges, including its democratic polity, vibrant civil society and newly established national human rights commission. 279. Bangladesh explained that most of its human rights challenges were rooted in poverty and underdevelopment. As a result, the Government had given priority attention to the alleviation of poverty through a range of home-grown ideas and policies, such as microcredit, non-formal education and social safety net programmes. Bangladesh would continue to strive for further progress and was confident that there would be significant progress to report in its pursuit of human rights by the next review. 2. Views expressed by Member and observer States of the Council on the review outcome 280. Pakistan noted that the presentation of the national report by the Minister for Foreign Affairs of Bangladesh was a manifestation of the priority that the newly elected Government attached to human rights. The acceptance of almost all recommendations was further proof of this commitment. Pakistan stated that the recommendations not taken on board by Bangladesh were clearly those that neither fell under the rubric of international human rights standards nor conformed to its national laws, commitments and values. It commended this stance. Pakistan appreciated the actions initiated for implementing the recommendations made. 281. Venezuela (Bolivarian Republic of) was pleased with Bangladesh’s open and cooperative presentation, which had allowed positive interaction on its achievements and challenges. It thanked Bangladesh for its replies, particularly on the implementation of the strategy to reduce poverty in remote regions and positively valued the development programmes favouring vulnerable groups, especially women in situations of poverty. Venezuela recognized the efforts and political will of Bangladesh for human rights. 282. Qatar noted that Bangladesh seriously endeavoured to promote and protect human rights through its Millennium Development Goal plans, especially on education. Bangladesh’s achievements and considerable efforts to address challenges faced in the fields of good governance, economic and social development, human rights, poverty alleviation and women’s rights were also noted. Qatar also called on OHCHR and other bodies to provide assistance to Bangladesh, including technical advice, to address the challenges it faces, including environment and climate change that had an impact on human rights. 283. Cuba recognized that Bangladesh had accepted the majority of recommendations and highlighted the fact that its efforts to implement them were praiseworthy. It noted that these efforts had been made in a situation exacerbated by the current international financial and economic crisis. It noted that Bangladesh continued to promote education and women’s rights. Cuba recognized the actions implemented to combat poverty and hunger and to meet GE.09-16766 101