A/HRC/13/56 2. Views expressed by Member and observer States of the Council on the review outcome 748. Algeria thanked Ethiopia for the additional information provided and welcomed Ethiopia’s acceptance of a number of recommendations. Algeria encouraged the Government to continue poverty reduction efforts, while acknowledging that this represented a major challenge for many developing countries. Algeria welcomed the continuous progress made in the realization of economic, social and cultural rights and the Government’s determination to persevere in protecting and promoting human rights. 749. Cuba congratulated Ethiopia on having accepted many recommendations. It highlighted Ethiopia’s advances in health, education and culture, and with regard to persons with disabilities, children and women, areas that had been affected by the world financial and economic crisis. One way of implementing human rights programmes was through support, cooperation and financial assistance from countries of the developed world. Cuba congratulated Ethiopia on the results achieved to date and urged it to continue its efforts. 750. Pakistan was encouraged by the fact that Ethiopia had accepted most recommendations and was willing to implement them with the involvement of all stakeholders. Pakistan appreciated the efforts made to improve the quality of life by introducing relevant social and economic policies, which would ensure sustainable development. The international community should extend support in this regard. Pakistan commended Ethiopia’s readiness to consider ratifying a number of human rights instruments, which would improve its national human rights infrastructure. 751. Canada appreciated Ethiopia’s acceptance to formulate a national plan of action on human rights and to strengthen the Ethiopian Human Rights Commission, but was deeply concerned by its refusal to amend the 2009 charities and societies proclamation. It expressed disappointment at Ethiopia’s refusal to release imprisoned opposition party members and to allow their participation in the May 2010 election. It welcomed the continued efforts made to address female genital mutilation. Canada urged Ethiopia to consider becoming a party to the Rome Statute of the International Criminal Court and the optional protocols to the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, the Convention on the Rights of the Child and the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination against Women. 752. China stated that Ethiopia had adopted a positive approach in presenting its achievements and challenges, and had conducted a constructive dialogue. It was pleased that Ethiopia had accepted most recommendations and was preparing for the follow-up. It hoped that Ethiopia would make greater progress in the areas of poverty reduction, health and education, and reach the Millennium Development Goals at an early date. China was convinced that Ethiopia would implement in earnest the universal periodic review outcome and make real headway in the human rights field. 753. Djibouti welcomed the willingness demonstrated by Ethiopia to promote and protect human rights. It also welcomed the fact that most recommendations had been accepted. Djibouti looked forward to continuing its cooperation with Ethiopia, with a view to protecting and promoting human rights, and the rights to peace, international solidarity and regional security in the Horn of Africa. 754. The Congo congratulated Ethiopia on its commitment to implement the recommendations concerning the signing and ratification of several international instruments, and the recommendations related to combating sexual violence committed by members of the armed forces. It noted with satisfaction that Ethiopia had accepted to increase efforts in the area of women’s rights and had accepted most other recommendations. It encouraged Ethiopia to continue the dialogue with the Council with a view to strengthening respect for human rights. 191