A/HRC/13/56 565. Saudi Arabia noted Bhutan’s commitment to human rights, as illustrated by its acceptance of most recommendations contained in the universal periodic review report, as well as its cooperation with all mechanisms and procedures of the United Nations human rights system. Bhutan’s commitment to human rights was also shown by its willingness to continue international cooperation and a true dialogue on human rights. Saudi Arabia encouraged Bhutan to continue along this path. 566. Botswana welcomed the comprehensive presentation by Bhutan as well as its decision to accept most of the recommendations made. Botswana commended the efforts made by Bhutan, noting in particular its commitment to strengthen its institutional framework. It hoped that Bhutan, a landlocked and developing country like Botswana, would benefit from the support of the international community. 3. General comments made by other relevant stakeholders 567. The Canadian HIV/AIDS Legal Network addressed recommendation 60 of the Working Group report, aimed at repealing provisions in the Penal Code criminalizing sexual activities between consenting adults of the same sex. The organization recalled the view of the Human Rights Committee in Toonen v. Australia (1994), that laws criminalizing homosexual conduct violated the rights to privacy and non-discrimination, even if not actively enforced, as they stigmatized marginalized populations and undermined human dignity, in addition to compromising HIV/AIDS prevention programmes. It welcomed the Government’s willingness to review these provisions in the future and urged that necessary steps should be taken to bring them into line with international laws as soon as possible. 568. The Lutheran World Federation appreciated the concerns expressed and recommendations made by many States regarding the unresolved refugee crisis and issues concerning the treatment of minorities in Bhutan. It recalled that Bhutan had reiterated its commitment to finding a lasting solution to the refugee problem through a process of bilateral negotiations. It noted Bhutan’s participation in a joint verification process in one of the refugee camps, which had resulted in the verification of hundreds of refugees who should have been allowed to return to Bhutan, but were still unable to do so. The organization urged Bhutan to demonstrate its true commitment to resolving this issue, and to assume its responsibility for the voluntary repatriation of refugees in conditions of safety and dignity, with full guarantees for their human rights. 4. Concluding remarks of the State under review 569. Bhutan thanked the President of the Council, all States participating in the review, the troika and the Secretariat. Bhutan also thanked the representatives of civil society who had taken the floor. Bhutan’s own civil society was growing quickly. In this regard, Bhutan expressed regret that representatives from its own community of non-governmental organizations had been unable to attend owing to the lack of resources. In the light of the potential value that these organizations could add to the process, Bhutan suggested that the Council consider means to facilitate the participation of non-governmental organizations from developing and least developed countries in the universal periodic review process, particularly during the plenary phase. 570. Bhutan emphasized that its legal framework, administrative machinery and growing civil society provided a sound environment for the promotion and protection of human rights. The Government expressed its determination to ensure that the principles of the new Constitution were upheld, that the rule of law was respected and that all Bhutanese could benefit from the democratic transformation. In this spirit, the Government would continue to strive for the realization of all human rights by its people. 165