A/HRC/13/56 404. Norway acknowledged that the success of the universal periodic review would require sustained efforts and political will, and looked forward to an open and inclusive dialogue on all the issues and recommendations that could not be currently supported. 405. Norway pledged to apply the same inclusive approach in the preparation of the national report to the review follow-up. Indeed, it would establish a comprehensive, systematic and coordinated process in partnership with all relevant stakeholders. Norway underlined that the universal periodic review process complemented the other international human rights mechanisms, in particular the treaty bodies. 2. Views expressed by Member and observer States of the Council on the review outcome 406. Algeria congratulated Norway on having accepted other recommendations. It expressed appreciation at Norway’s sponsorship of the “retreat of Algiers” on the Human Rights Council review process. It reiterated its satisfaction with Norway’s assistance to developing countries, which had been raised to 1.09 per cent of its gross national income. It encouraged Norway to ratify the International Convention on the Protection of the Rights of All Migrant Workers and Members of Their Families. Algeria welcomed the importance given to the Millennium Development Goals in Norway’s development policy. It commended Norway’s commitment to combat racism and xenophobia, especially through the action plan for the period 2009–2012, and encouraged it to give further consideration to recommendation 19 made by Algeria. 407. Pakistan thanked Norway for its frank and elaborate presentation, including its detailed comments on the recommendations that were pending. As a troika member for the review of Norway, Pakistan commended the delegation’s positive approach to the universal periodic review mechanism and the fact that it had accepted most recommendations. Pakistan appreciated Norway’s strong commitment to the promotion and protection of human rights and acknowledged its contributions in helping to build consensus on controversial and difficult issues. It encouraged Norway to continue its constructive engagement on all human rights issues. 408. The Islamic Republic of Iran appreciated Norway’s acceptance of its recommendations. It requested clarification about the implementation of recommendations on ensuring that foreign students were not arbitrarily deprived of their right to education in universities; on the implementation of the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples; as well as regarding recommendations on incorporating the content of the International Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Racial Discrimination in the Human Rights Act. It remained concerned at the rising incidence of domestic violence, violence against women and children and sexual abuse, and the high number of rapes, as well as increasing racist and xenophobic political speech and stereotypes against Muslims. Iran was worried at the broad definition of terrorism in the penal code. It was also concerned about and requested clarification on the capacity to address issues such as child pornography on the Internet, the rising number of rapes, and measures and legislation that endangered the foundation of the family. 409. Nepal noted with appreciation the achievements made by Norway in developing a strong foundation for democracy, pluralism, the rule of law and human rights. Nepal congratulated the country on its top ranking in the United Nations human development index. It also welcomed Norway’s commitment to fighting global poverty. It commended its efforts to develop a pragmatic approach to several pressing and difficult issues of our time. 410. The United States of America appreciated Norway’s commitment to promoting human rights, and commended it for implementing the Anti-Discrimination and Accessibility Act. It welcomed Norway’s commitment to consider ratifying the Convention 139

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