A/HRC/8/46 Page 7 23. India noted that Sri Lanka has identified its own national priorities and technical assistance needs. It sought further information about the laudable initiative to facilitate greater communication amongst communities through language study. It also noted the success achieved by Sri Lanka in providing free education to its people and the establishment of the Steering Group to draft a constitutional charter of rights, as well as the country’s cooperation with the United Nations system. 24. Cuba noted the difficult situation Sri Lanka faced, with prolonged internal conflict, and that a solution was sought through national reconciliation and development of a structure to restore national security and social welfare. It welcomed the considerable success achieved in the areas of health and education and recommended that OHCHR work in coordination with the Government to develop capacity and strengthen the national institutions; and that OHCHR make an effective contribution to strengthen the NHRC. 25. Palestine congratulated Sri Lanka for conducting the first ever elections of the Eastern Provincial Council, which is a vivid indication of its commitment to human rights and democracy. It encouraged Sri Lanka to enter into further agreements with countries hosting Sri Lankan migrant workers. 26. Sweden raised the issue of numerous disappearances and child recruitment, not only related to the LTTE. In spite of numerous national efforts, impunity persists. Calls made for independent international monitoring of the situation has not yet been accepted by Sri Lanka. Sweden urged that (a) measures against impunity in relation to disappearances and child recruitments as well as (b) an acceptance of independent international monitoring be taken up as recommendations. 27. Belgium condemned the continued recruitment of child soldiers by the LTTE troops. TMPV, which remains close to the Government, also recruits child soldiers. It recommended to Sri Lanka to take judicial and other measures to put an end to the complicity of the army and police in the recruitment of child soldiers in zones under its control. It noted efforts underway with the assistance of the international community for the rehabilitation of child soldiers. The Special Rapporteur on the question of torture noted cases of child soldiers who were arrested and remain under the authority of the anti-terrorist department. Belgium recommended to Sri Lanka to (a) step up its efforts for the rehabilitation of child soldiers – in particular through enhanced cooperation with the international community – and to adopt measures necessary for their rehabilitation in an appropriate environment, (b) allow OHCHR to strengthen its presence in Sri Lanka in order to reinforce its cooperation and monitoring given the particular serious human rights situation and (c) take the necessary measures to ensure the return and restitution of housing and lands in conformity with international standards for internally displaced persons. 28. Portugal noted the visits of two Special Rapporteurs who reported the widespread practice of torture and extrajudicial killings, and enquired about the measures taken to combat impunity; that Sri Lanka lacks an effective international human rights monitoring system and has ignored the High Commissioner’s request to establish an independent OHCHR presence; security problems, sexual abuse, child recruitment, and poor living conditions with respect to housing, health care and education in IDP camps. It recommended to Sri Lanka: (a) to address torture and implement safeguards to prevent torture and extrajudicial executions and (b) combat impunity; (c) reconsider establishing a local OHCHR presence with monitoring capacities; (d) increase its cooperation with UNHCR, provide unrestricted access for international humanitarian aid, (e) ensure protection and security in IDP camps; and while safeguarding the rights to return and restitution, adopt a policy to provide IDPs with adequate interim housing solutions. 29. Nepal noted that despite the difficult situation resulting from the armed conflict, Sri Lanka has deployed resources in the fields of education, health, women’s empowerment and the protection