A/HRC/14/12 53. Kazakhstan noted Iran’s history, culture and educated population, which bore the hallmarks of a free society. Recognizing the country’s challenges, it commended the steps taken to establish national institutions to address human rights, capacity-building and new legislation, to review existing laws and to promote civil society engagement. It noted Iran’s ratification of core international human rights treaties. It expressed appreciation for steps taken to promote social, economic and cultural rights, including with regard to education and health. It asked about measures to guarantee the rights of disabled persons. 54. Tajikistan noted constitutional human rights provisions and a national action plan about to be submitted for approval. It mentioned cooperation between the legislature and non-governmental organizations, as well as with some United Nations agencies, such as the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF). It endorsed Iran’s efforts to cooperate with OHCHR. 55. The Czech Republic made recommendations regarding investigations into acts of violence against demonstrators after the 2009 presidential elections, protection against torture, freedom of expression, privacy and non-discrimination, cooperation with special procedures and juvenile justice. 56. Malaysia noted Iran’s commitment to engaging with the international community. It noted that since the 1980s conflict, Iran had benefited from its resolve in key areas, including urban and rural poverty reduction, maternal and child health, social welfare and education. Malaysia understood the challenges facing Iran in guaranteeing economic, social and cultural rights and civil and political rights. It asked about enhancing the representation of minorities, including women, in the legislature and its possible impact in the political arena. 57. Sri Lanka acknowledged Iran’s contributions to the enrichment of human civilization. It recognized the fact that Iranians had chosen the Islamic Republic as their system of government, based on the principles of independence, freedom and progressive Islamic beliefs, while maintaining its democratic character. It noted that the Government had accorded high priority to the establishment of a national human rights institution. 58. India noted improved living standards through economic growth and welfare programmes. Progress on health care and literacy, an active civil society and cooperation with UNICEF and the United Nations Development Programme on child rights and capacity-building were acknowledged. It noted challenges related to reconciling some religious principles with international human rights obligations. India requested Iran to strengthen the empowerment of women, including by acceding to the Convention on the Elimination of Discrimination against Women; developmental efforts for vulnerable groups, including religious minorities; the machinery for civil and political rights; and Iran’s human rights education programme. Iran was also requested to consider establishing a national human rights institution compliant with the Paris Principles. 59. Italy was concerned at the systematic use of capital punishment, especially against juveniles. It noted that, while the Constitution protected freedom of expression, press and political activity, reports of grave violations of those rights had emerged, especially in the aftermath of the presidential elections. Those worrying developments were not consistent with Iran’s candidature for the Human Rights Council. Italy urged Iran to put an immediate end to them and expressed concern at the situation of the Baha’i community. 60. Hungary inquired about a reportedly large number of children without birth certificates and nationality because their fathers were non-Iranian citizens. It cited the deteriorating situation of religious minorities, especially the Baha’i. It also expressed concern about capital punishment, particularly its application to minors, as well as on reports of actions against participants in peaceful demonstrations that seemed to be becoming ever more violent. 9