A/HRC/42/2 600. While appreciating the commitment of Bhutan to upholding the fundamental rights of all Bhutanese people, Nepal expressed its disappointment at the continued denial by Bhutan of the Bhutanese refugee issue. It highlighted that the Bhutanese refugee problem was one of the most protracted refugee problems in the world. It also noted that most of the Bhutanese refugees in Nepal had been resettled in third countries and only a small number of refugees, most of them the elderly, were in the camps in Nepal for the last three decades. Nepal expressed the wish that the stalled bilateral process resumes and that all the remaining refugees are repatriated to Bhutan. 601. Pakistan commended Bhutan for accepting the majority of recommendations, including those made by Pakistan. It also appreciated the efforts made by Bhutan in education, health, agriculture, rule of law, good governance and anti-corruption sectors. It wished Bhutan every success in implementing supported recommendations. 602. Seychelles commended Bhutan for accepting more than 70 per cent of recommendations received, including the one issued by Seychelles regarding trafficking in persons. It also commended the country for its cooperation with special procedures, and expressed the hope that the issuance of a standing invitation would be borne in mind in the upcoming years. It positively recognized the willingness of Bhutan to set up a national human rights institution. 603. Singapore commended Bhutan for having accepted 157 recommendations, including two made by Singapore, demonstrating the Government’s commitment to human rights. It referred to Bhutan’s work towards graduating from being a Least Developed Country to a middle-income country by 2023. It wished Bhutan success in its efforts to implement the accepted recommendations in line with its development goals and national priorities. 604. Sri Lanka appreciated that Bhutan had accepted 157 recommendations, including three issued by Sri Lanka. It commended the Government for its sustained efforts on environmental sustainability, poverty reduction and well-being, through legal and policy interventions, as well as capacity building and institutional strengthening. It welcomed Bhutan’s consistent policies, plans and programmes in public education and health care, as well as investments in infrastructure, including in rural areas. It also acknowledged ongoing steps taken by Bhutan for promoting and protecting women’s rights and ensuring gender equality. 605. China thanked Bhutan for having accepted its recommendations. It hoped that the Government would continue to promote sustainable economic and social development, as well as provide a solid foundation for the enjoyment of human rights. It further encouraged Bhutan to continue efforts to eradicate poverty, particularly in rural areas, and to enhance rural infrastructure development, including farmers’ income. 3. General comments made by other stakeholders 606. During the adoption of the outcome of the review of Bhutan, two other stakeholders made statements. 607. The World Evangelical Alliance regretted that none of the recommendations on freedom of religion or belief was accepted. It noted as positive the Government’s response that registration of religious organizations was not a prerequisite for practice, and that religious groups were free to practice without registering with the Commission for Religious Organizations. Nevertheless, it further encouraged the Government to allow the registration of churches and other religious organizations so that they can organize publicly, own property, accept money, conduct outreach activities and import literature. It also called on Bhutan to invite the Special Rapporteur on freedom of religion or belief and take advantage of his expertise to assist the Government in its efforts to advance the right to freedom of religion or belief. 92