A/HRC/42/2 dialogue with relevant national stakeholders, with a view to keeping the momentum for effective universal periodic review implementation. 708. The United Arab Emirates highly appreciated the acceptance by Brunei Darussalam of most of the recommendations contained in the outcome report of the Working Group on the Universal Periodic Review. It also commended the important steps taken by Brunei Darussalam in the promotion and protection of human rights and fundamental freedoms. It appreciated the continued efforts of Brunei Darussalam to establish the principles of good governance and the rule of law, by taking important measures in all areas of human rights, which will preserve the citizens’ dignity and achieve equality and social justice. It also appreciated the efforts of Brunei Darussalam to continue working to promote human rights in accordance with international standards. 709. The United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland welcomed the acceptance by Brunei Darussalam of its recommendation to strengthen measures to investigate, prosecute and punish those responsible for modern slavery offences and to ensure adequate victim protection and care. It appreciated the assurances provided by the Sultan regarding the introduction of the Sharia Penal Code. It noted that the partial acceptance by Brunei Darussalam of its recommendation to ratify the Convention against Torture and Other Cruel, Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment without reservations is a welcomed step and commended accepting similar recommendations. It welcomed the commitment to respect individual privacy and urged Brunei Darussalam to formalise it for all, including LGBT people as well as to ensure that laws of Brunei Darussalam do not discriminate on these grounds. It urged Brunei Darussalam to reform its statutory punishments and repeal legislation imposing a state of emergency and associated restrictions, including those on the media. 710. China thanked Brunei Darussalam for accepting its recommendations and hoped that the Government will continue to promote sustainable economic and social development to further improve people’s living standard, to better protect the rights of elderly persons and to improve their wellbeing at social security level. It encouraged the Government to better protect the rights of persons with disabilities as well as to continue to provide life skill training to them and improve their employment level. 711. Viet Nam commended Brunei Darussalam for its strong commitment to the universal periodic review process and its continuous efforts to promote and protect human rights. It noted with satisfaction the acceptance by Brunei Darussalam of all three recommendations made by Viet Nam concerning the promotion and protection of human rights of persons with disabilities and the elder persons as well as the request for sharing experiences in relation to the prevention and control of non-communicable diseases. 712. Afghanistan noted that Brunei Darussalam accepted only one recommendation provided by Afghanistan on the ratification of the Convention against Torture and Other Cruel, Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment. It hoped that this recommendation will be duly implemented. It acknowledged the efforts of the Government to improve women’s participation in politics; however, regretfully, Brunei Darussalam noted its recommendation to promote women’s participation in the work force by adopting comprehensive legislation that combats discrimination and sexual harassment at the workplace and eliminates the persisting gender wage gap. It underscored that the Government of Brunei Darussalam did not accept recommendations on the ratification of a wide range of international human rights instruments. 713. Algeria welcomed the efforts made by Brunei Darussalam to implement the national policy of empowering low-income households and promoting economic integration of all population categories. It appreciated the acceptance by Brunei Darussalam of two of its recommendations on the development of a comprehensive strategy for the inclusion of 106