A/HRC/8/42 Page 14 76. Venezuela asked for additional information about efforts to set up an independent human rights institution empowered to investigate human rights violations. It also wanted to know more about the National Commission on the rights of women. 77. Singapore noted recent advances, such as improving the conditions of women and children. It welcomed the adoption of the Women’s Protection Bill and Protection of Women (Criminal Laws Amendment) Act in 2006. 78. Latvia noted reports of poor prison conditions not meeting international standards, including overcrowding and lack of proper nutrition. It requested information on measures to improve them. Latvia encouraged stepping up cooperation with the Special Procedures as seven mandate holders have requested a visit. It also asked if Pakistan would be ready to extend a standing invitation to all mandate holders in the future. 79. Sudan recommended that Pakistan share how it has reduced poverty and mitigated the effects of food inflation. 80. The Syrian Arab Republic noted achievements such as the political empowerment of women, including the criminalizing of ‘honour killings’, the social insurance system, housing, and the provision of quality education. Syria drew attention to Pakistan’s calm hosting of over 2.5 million Afghani refugees and requested more details about media reports indicating that Pakistan is considering the deportation or repatriation of some Afghani refugees. 81. Finland highlighted the concern of the Committee on the Rights of the Child regarding low public expenditure on education and that international aid in this area has not been used in an adequate way. It asked whether Pakistan is still committed to increasing funding for education. It recommended taking urgent measures to ensure that adequate resources are allocated for education. It also asked about plans and time scale to fulfill pledges to set up a National Human Rights Commission according to the Paris Principles. 82. The Republic of Korea noted steps taken regarding the protection of women’s rights and the elimination of discrimination against women, and, in line with CEDAW, wanted to know what steps have been taken to ensure the effective implementation of these measures. In addition, it requested an update on the construction of the Lyari expressway. Finally, it recommended that Pakistan sign the 1951 Refugee Convention. 83. Greece noted that access to justice is limited due to the low level of literacy and the lack of knowledge of one’s rights and asked about measures to facilitating access to justice. Referring to reports regarding restrictions imposed on the media and confiscation of equipment, Greece asked to what extent law enforcement agencies have been educated on human rights practices. Greece stated that the preferential treatment accorded to Muslim citizens presents a major impediment to freedom of religion and asked how Pakistan intends to effectively protect and satisfy the unimpeded exercise of freedom of religion of non-Muslim citizens and recommended Pakistan to do so. Finally, Greece asked how many reported cases of arbitrary detention and enforced disappearances of those suspected of links to terrorist groups have been investigated and whether those responsible have been identified. 84. Nicaragua noted efforts to increase employment and access to health and education and encouraged Pakistan to continue its endeavours to strengthen the system for the promotion and defence of all human rights, in particular those of women. 85. Zimbabwe noted the strides Pakistan has made in the promotion and protection of its citizen’s human rights, specifically referring to Pakistan’s economic policies. 86. Yemen commended Pakistan on efforts especially regarding the role of women in society and the rights of child. Yemen expressed concerns about security and police forces’ practices and asked about measures to educate the security forces about human rights principles.