A/HRC/8/42 Page 5 13. Pakistan also highlighted the vibrancy and freeness of its media, and noted that some of the restrictions imposed after the November 2007 Emergency Orders had been removed. It noted that it was working towards making the Pakistan Electronic Media Regulatory Authority an effective tool for the promotion and protection of freedom of opinion and expression. Finally, Pakistan noted its role in hosting millions of Afghan refugees over the past 28 years, of which today there are still more than 2.5 millions on its soil, and that despite not being a signatory of the 1951 Convention relating to the Status of Refugees, it had abided by all of its provisions. It was now working with UNHCR to look into the possibility of accession to this Convention. 14. Pakistan concluded by stressing the importance of its good normative framework, elaborate administrative infrastructure, adequate human resource base and vibrant civil society that were all positive indicators paving the way for continued promotion and protection of human rights. The new democratic Government too was committed to put the rights holder at the centre of its national endeavours aimed at political, social and economic development of Pakistan. B. Interactive dialogue and responses by the State under review 15. During the ensuing interactive dialogue, statements were made by 70 delegations. A number of delegations praised Pakistan for the comprehensive nature of its report, which outlined progress and challenges encountered. A number of delegations welcomed Pakistan’s transition to a full democracy including the 2008 parliamentary elections; its ratification of the ICESCR, and signing of the ICCPR and of the CAT; progress in promoting and protecting human rights despite a number of challenges including natural disasters; efforts in promoting economic growth; efforts to combat terrorism; and efforts towards the advancement of women’s rights, legal and social status. 16. Palestine welcomed that the speaker of the Parliament is a woman, and that Pakistan has 11 women ambassadors in Europe alone. 17. China noted the efforts in economic development and poverty reduction, the achievements in employment and literacy, as well as actions taken regarding women, children and the handicapped. In light of the fact that Pakistan is a Muslim country, the Representative asked how Pakistan protects the right of minorities. 18. Algeria noted that the Committee on the Elimination of Discrimination against Women (CEDAW) congratulated Pakistan regarding a number of actions taken for the protection of women’s rights and lauded Pakistan on the number of women in decision-making positions. Noting that Pakistan is a frontline State in fighting terrorism and, as a result of these activities, has faced domestic backlash, Algeria enquired about Pakistan’s “multi-pronged” counter-terrorism strategy. Algeria recommended to Pakistan to (a) continue to promote the gender equality for women, especially with regard to developing education and employment, and (b) continue its counterterrorism efforts while calling on Member States to provide Pakistan with adequate support and understand the country’s constraints. 19. Indonesia welcomed the protection of vulnerable groups, as evidenced in the affirmative action undertaken through the National Policy for Development and Empowerment of Women, which also includes a zero tolerance policy for violence against women, and noted the establishment of strategies by the Ministry of Minorities intended to safeguard the social, religious and cultural rights of minorities. 20. Tunisia noted the success of the democratization process which led to the elections and noted the efforts made towards the promote development and human rights. Tunisia recommended to Pakistan to pursue this route towards the protection of human rights and to be encouraged by the international community, more particularly the Human Rights Council. 21. Malaysia noted the efforts in the fields of education, health and rights of women and children. Highlighting that Pakistan is scheduled to achieve universal primary education by 2015,