A/HRC/14/12 27. Brazil recognized achievements in education, poverty eradication and well-being. It noted Iran’s standing invitation to special procedures and that it could facilitate pending requests for visits. It noted that the country could benefit from cooperation with the International Labour Organization (ILO) on child labour and street children. It cited discrimination against women, adding that their high level of education should be reflected in terms of the labour market and political life. It encouraged Iran to engage in dialogue domestically, permitting free expression. Brazil noted that the Baha’i should enjoy rights extended to others and that imprisoned Baha’i leaders should enjoy due process. 28. Cuba noted Iranians’ work for development, welfare and sovereignty. It stated that the Islamic Revolution had allowed for self-determination and had ended the dictatorship of the Shah, who had received Western armaments and technology, including nuclear technology. It highlighted the strategic plan for integral development, which addressed job creation, education, health, social security, housing and cultural rights. It noted that more than 95 per cent of Iranians had access to primary health care and that the right to education had been implemented. All of this was the case despite the imposition of coercive, unilateral measures. 29. Spain expressed its concern at the continuing deterioration in the human rights situation in Iran. 30. Lebanon noted efforts to promote the socio-economic and political rights of women and to promote and protect the rights of children and disabled persons at the legislative and practical levels. It welcomed the results achieved regarding access to education, despite various obstacles. 31. The Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela noted that the Iranian Revolution had restored national sovereignty and also noted the challenges faced by Iran, which was being subjected to unfair economic sanctions and permanent media campaigns of defamation. It noted efforts to promote economic, social and cultural rights. It valued policies to improve health and medical services, with direct assistance planned for vulnerable sectors, providing free medical attention, as well as incentives and benefits for doctors working in rural centres, and university quotas for residents of less-privileged regions. 32. Luxembourg expressed concern at the deterioration in the human rights situation, characterized by increasing restrictions on the freedom of expression and information; an increase in the number of death penalty convictions, including of minors; convictions involving inhuman and degrading treatment, such as whipping and amputation; the harassment and repression of human rights defenders; the intensification of the repression of women’s-rights activists; and the situation of minorities, particularly ethnic and religious minorities. It expressed concern at reports of intimidation, harassment, torture, arbitrary detention, violence, confiscation, limitations on access to education or employment concerning the Baha’i community. 33. Germany, concerned about those who had participated in peaceful post-election protests, asked why Iranians’ efforts to engage in an open dialogue about the future of their country were being hampered. Quoting Iran’s national report, it asked how the country reconciled its views regarding Shari’a law and “Western standards of human rights” with its obligation to respect human rights, enshrined in the Universal Declaration and treaties that it had ratified. 34. Ireland noted with concern human rights violations, including with regard to freedom of expression, association and assembly and the use of torture. It noted reported attacks against and the detention of human rights defenders and deplored attempts to restrict peaceful demonstrations and actions. It noted with concern the high incidence of the death penalty and its use in cases involving minors. Ireland was concerned about serious 6