A/HRC/42/2 591. Bhutan also stated that promotion of justice and rights was central tenets of good governance and that good governance was one of the central pillars of its national development philosophy of Gross National Happiness. 2. Views expressed by Member and observer States of the Council on the outcome of the review 592. During the adoption of the outcome of the review of Bhutan, 13 delegations made statements.** 593. The Democratic People’s Republic of Korea stated that the session of the Working Group on the Universal Periodic Review in May 2019 provided a useful opportunity to better understand the policy and achievements of Bhutan in promoting and protecting human rights. It welcomed the acceptance by Bhutan of many of the recommendations, which reflects a full demonstration of its will to make further efforts in the field of human rights. 594. Djibouti commended Bhutan for supporting a large number of recommendations, including the two recommendations made by Djibouti. It wished Bhutan a full success in implementing the supported recommendations. 595. Egypt encouraged Bhutan to take further measures aimed at promoting and protecting human rights in the country. It welcomed the efforts made by the Government to reduce unemployment and poverty rates and to enhance the living standards, focusing on public services, including adequate housing and education. It also welcomed the efforts to improve women’s representation in society as decision-makers. It also encouraged Bhutan to make further progress in promoting and protecting human rights. 596. India appreciated the constructive and open engagement of Bhutan during the review process. It also appreciated Bhutan’s cooperation with international human rights mechanisms, and efforts to increase the efficiency of monitoring and reporting for them. India noted that despite resource constraints, including limited institutional capacity, Bhutan had made progress in all socio-economic sectors such as poverty reduction, education, health, social infrastructure, and the agriculture sector. It also commended Bhutan for its commitments and activities undertaken to global agreements on environment and climate change. 597. Iraq welcomed Bhutan’s acceptance of its two recommendations regarding improvement of gender equality, and strengthening of cooperation with international human rights mechanisms. It also welcomed the acceptance of a large number of recommendations and expressed its hope that Bhutan will successfully implement those supported recommendations. 598. The Lao People’s Democratic Republic commended Bhutan for ongoing efforts to address the issue of poverty, including the adoption of programmes in education, health, social infrastructure, and agriculture with the ultimate aim of reducing poverty. It also welcomed the continuing cooperation of Bhutan with international human rights mechanisms to further improve human rights in the country. 599. Myanmar commended Bhutan for its commitments and efforts to promote human rights, in particular, the rights of women and children, as well as poverty alleviation. It thanked Bhutan for supporting Myanmar’s two recommendations relating to quality health and education services, and reducing inequality and promoting inclusive development. ** The statements of the delegations that were unable to deliver them owing to time constraints which were made available are posted on the extranet of the Human Rights Council, at https://extranet.ohchr.org/sites/hrc/HRCSessions/RegularSessions/42Session/Pages/default.aspx 91