A/HRC/11/18* human rights among the population at large; and (d) continue its efforts in combating corruption. 56. Nepal noted that Bangladesh adopted numerous laws and mechanisms to meet its obligations and uphold human rights. It underlined the commitment of Bangladesh towards the inclusion of religious minorities and tribal people in the national mainstream. Bangladesh’s efforts to the socio-economic development are commendable. Nepal noted significant efforts in poverty alleviation, health and women’s empowerment, social safety nets, progress towards the realization of the MDGs. It mentioned that the elected government works to consolidate democratic achievements along with vibrant civil society and free media. 57. Sudan noted that reform measures were introduced to assist the private sector, lead industrial development and provide social safety nets for vulnerable groups. Sudan recommended that the government (a) continue its efforts to protect and promote human rights in compliance with international standards; (b) share with the Sudan and other least and developing countries its best practice of the social safety net and empowerment. It requested the International community to help Bangladesh to encounter all challenges mentioned in its national report, especially poverty alleviation and improvement of the living standards of its people and all environmental constraints that challenge human rights and development efforts. Sudan urged the International Community to help Bangladesh through different programmes of capacity building and technical assistance. 58. The Minister stated that the National Human Rights Commission of Bangladesh was an independent organization that had already started functioning. Bangladesh had identified some areas which would need to be addressed to further strengthen it in line with the Paris Principles. She indicated the Government’s willingness to provide all assistance, technical, financial and otherwise, to make it a strong institution dedicated to the promotion and protection of human rights of the Bangladesh people. 59. The Minister drew attention to the national report that elaborated on Bangladesh’s commitment and the measures taken to curb violence against women and children. She stated that in compliance with its national and international obligations, Bangladesh would continue working on this very important issue in partnership with NGOs and civil society organisations referring to several laws that address violence against women and children in Bangladesh. She also noted the existence of a separate tribunal for trying cases of violence against women and children. Moreover, she stated that Bangladesh would give full effort for strict implementation of existing laws and initiatives to promote and protect the human rights of women and children. 60. The Minister informed that Bangladesh was addressing the issue of child labour involving children in a comprehensive manner. She noted Government actions on children, including elimination of child labour and ensuring for the rights to health, nutrition, education, water and sanitation. She noted the Bangladesh’s successful elimination of child labour from garment sector and the progress being made in other sectors. Bangladesh was trying to counter child labour in informal sectors through provision of free primary and secondary education and through cash for education programmes. She stated that Bangladesh was also committed to implementing the objectives of the global plan of action of the Convention on the Rights of the Child (CRC). 61. The Minister referred to a number of governmental measures aimed at promoting development of the minority groups, noting different welfare trusts for people belonging to the Hindu, the Buddhist, and the Christian religion. She further referred to a council for inter-faith harmony, where religious leaders from all communities work collectively for development issues like prevention of HIV/AIDS, reproductive health, and primary GE.09-16252 11