A/HRC/11/37 of clinical management that helped guarantee the right to health, and the positive outcomes achieved in the areas of education, women’s rights, employment, culture, adequate housing and fighting poverty. 703. Brunei Darussalam was encouraged by Malaysia’s cooperation during the review in responding to the recommendations. It commended the voluntary commitments to the promotion and protection of human rights in the country. Brunei Darussalam appreciated the Government’s close cooperation and regular engagements with stakeholders, the United Nations, relevant agencies and the international community to make more efforts to raise the economic and social status of its people. 704. Qatar was pleased with Malaysia’s fruitful and constructive cooperation with the Working Group. As a member of the troika, Qatar noted the understanding shown by Malaysia by accepting 60 recommendations. It paid tribute to the efforts made to strengthen and promote economic, social and cultural rights, particularly the rights to education, health and housing; to combat poverty, promote the rights of the elderly; and to fight against human trafficking. It welcomed Malaysia’s effort to promote good governance, the rule of law and poverty alleviation. 705. Algeria noted with appreciation Malaysia’s endorsement of more than 72 per cent of the recommendations. It expressed understanding for the explanations given regarding recommendations that did not enjoy Malaysia’s support, and commended its transparency and openness. Algeria welcomed the intention to take appropriate steps to consider the possibility of ratifying the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights and the International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights, as well as the Convention against Torture and the International Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Racial Discrimination. It commended Malaysia for its efforts to eliminate all forms of discrimination against women and for spearheading progress towards gender equality and the advancement of women. It paid tribute to the effective policies adopted to guarantee adequate housing at a reasonable cost for all citizens. Malaysia’s sustained efforts to strengthen poverty eradication programmes were also highlighted. 706. Uzbekistan appreciated Malaysia’s comprehensive information and comments on the recommendations made by the Working Group. Malaysia had participated constructively in the process, and had held open-ended consultations in the preparation of its report. It had made efforts to promote human rights and fundamental freedoms as part of its international obligations. The implementation of practical measures and the Government’s commitment would promote efforts to strengthen further the system for the protection and promotion of human rights. Uzbekistan considered that it was very positive that Malaysia had accepted all recommendations. 707. Pakistan was encouraged that Malaysia had accepted most of the recommendations and had started implementation through human rights awareness and training, and harmonization of national legislation with international instruments. It had noted the steps taken to improve relevant legislation to improve the protection and promotion of the rights of children, foreign workers and detainees. Amendments made in the national human rights commission act would also add to its independence and operational effectiveness. Pakistan appreciated the Government’s resolve to continue to follow policies that underscored the importance of achieving socio-economic and development goals as a way of ensuring harmony and unity in an ethnically diverse nation. 708. Thailand appreciated the fact that Malaysia had accepted most of the recommendations and was actively implementing them. It highlighted the importance of human rights awareness and training, as well as international cooperation for capacitybuilding, as key elements. It welcomed the efforts to review and amend certain domestic legislation and policies relating to children. Thailand placed great importance on the human GE.09-16766 165