A/HRC/13/56 intention to pursue the follow-up to the review also in a spirit of openness, transparency and partnership. 555. Bhutan expressed its gratitude for the high level of interest shown by delegations in the Working Group, and expressed satisfaction at the recognition of its efforts, particularly its holistic approach to development, guided by the philosophy of gross national happiness, and its efforts in strengthening civil and political rights through the transformation of its system of governance and the rule of law. With regard to the comments and recommendations made during the review, including with regard to the scope of Bhutan’s international human rights commitments, the strengthening of support for civil society organizations, measures to combat domestic violence and trafficking, and complex humanitarian issues, Bhutan expressed its commitment to addressing these issues. 556. Reaffirming its conviction that human rights must be viewed in a holistic manner, as indivisible, interrelated and mutually reinforcing, Bhutan stated that the universal periodic review process had imbued a sense of growing confidence among many national agencies involved in the protection and promotion of human rights. Bhutan had considered all 99 recommendations made during the interactive dialogue in a constructive spirit, it had responded to each of the recommendations in writing, and had accepted the vast majority of them. Many recommendations were already in various stages of implementation, and some were already adequately addressed by existing legal provisions. The remaining recommendations were taken note of, with comments reflected in the addendum to the Working Group report. 557. Bhutan also noted that the universal periodic review had allowed it to take a closer look at persisting challenges in its efforts to meet its international human rights obligations. As a small, landlocked and least developed country in the process of consolidating its political and institutional transition, great efforts and investments would still be required to fulfil those obligations. However, Bhutan was determined to meet those challenges and strive for further progress, with the support and cooperation of the international community. 2. Views expressed by Member and observer States of the Council on the review outcome 558. Algeria welcomed the open and transparent manner in which Bhutan had engaged in the universal periodic review process. Bhutan had endorsed most of the recommendations made, including those made by Algeria. Algeria also noted that Bhutan had achieved encouraging results in resolving problems related to food security, particularly in rural areas. It encouraged Bhutan to formulate, if needed, requests for assistance from relevant United Nations funds and programmes in order to consolidate its national strategy for food security. Algeria commended Bhutan for its efforts to ensure equality between men and women. It also reiterated its recommendation on the continuation of efforts to ensure that the right to health could be enjoyed by all, within the context of attaining the Millennium Development Goals. It encouraged Bhutan to search for a sustainable solution to the issue of refugees. 559. Cuba noted that Bhutan had accepted a significant number of recommendations and made significant efforts to implement them, which showed the will of the Government to promote the human rights of its citizens. Bhutan was making positive efforts to promote and protect human rights in spite of being a small developing country and a victim of an unjust international economic order. Bhutan had demonstrated its commitment to eliminating all forms of discrimination against women and guaranteeing equal rights for women and men. Cuba appreciated the fact that Bhutan had accepted its recommendation in a spirit of cooperation and constructive dialogue. Cuba encouraged Bhutan to continue its efforts in the field of human rights 163