A/HRC/11/37 education and strengthen the independence and authority of the judicial system, and noted with satisfaction that Cameroon had agreed to these and other recommendations. It commended Cameroon’s intention to accede to other human rights instruments. Belarus supported the recommendation to improve national legislation in the area of women’s rights and ensuring gender equality. 387. China indicated that it had been honoured to be one of the Troika members for the review of Cameroon. It expressed its great appreciation for Cameroon’s comprehensive and constructive dialogue with Council Members. It noted that Cameroon had given a detailed reply to the various issues raised during the deliberations, including questions asked by China. China was confident that, with the support of the international community, Cameroon would overcome its difficulties and make new progress in the field of human rights. 388. Morocco thanked Cameroon for its constructive engagement in the universal periodic review, its efforts in the field of human rights and the measures taken in that regard. Morocco also congratulated Cameroon on having accepted the majority of recommendations made, especially the one related to difficulties encountered in the reform of the penal code. Morocco reiterated its appeal to make sure that all necessary assistance is given to Cameroon in reforming its penal code, including financial and human resources to support the country in its tasks. Any assistance should be given in close cooperation with the country in order to guarantee the best result possible. Lastly, Morocco encouraged Cameroon to continue its efforts in the implementation of the recommendations that it had accepted and to keep the Council informed with regard to their implementation. 389. Senegal noted that Cameroon had accepted the majority of the recommendations made and appreciated its commitment to continue its efforts on the promotion and protection of human rights, in particular the establishment of a national commission on human rights and freedom, as well as the launching of a ratification process for several international instruments in human rights. Senegal encouraged Cameroon to implement the different recommendations that it had accepted and called upon the international community to provide any assistance needed. 390. Nigeria commended Cameroon for its open and constructive spirit with which it approached the review process and hoped that it would implement the recommendations made. It appreciated Cameroon’s acceptance of its recommendations, which were aimed at strengthening measures and mechanisms in the administration of justice, investments in prison infrastructure and the overall enjoyment of civil and political rights. 391. The United States of America appreciated the dedication to human rights that the Government of Cameroon had demonstrated during the universal periodic review process and hoped that this dedication would be translated into action. The United States shared the concerns regarding the independence of ELECAM, including the lack of representatives of the opposition appointed to it, and reports of vote rigging in the last election. It supported the recommendation that Cameroon should take measures to ensure the independence of ELECAM. It also joined the concerns expressed by a number of delegations regarding the independence of the press, including the closure of media outlets and the imprisonments of journalists. It encouraged the Government to accept and speedily implement the recommendation of a special law that would take into consideration the land rights of the “pygmy” communities. 392. Djibouti congratulated Cameroon on having accepted 75 per cent of the recommendations made, which very clearly showed the attachment of the country to the universal principles of human rights. Djibouti called upon the international community to provide Cameroon with all the necessary aid and technical assistance for it to implement the different recommendations. Djibouti encouraged Cameroon to continue to give full 118 GE.09-16766