A/HRC/28/12 36. Zimbabwe commended the organization of human rights training courses for Government officials, the judiciary and law enforcement officers. 37. Afghanistan expressed appreciation for the hosting by the Islamic Republic of Iran of Afghan refugees. 38. Algeria commended the adoption of the new Criminal Procedure Law. 39. Angola commended the promulgation of a law to protect children and adolescents deprived of parental protection or victims of neglect. 40. Argentina shared the concern expressed in Human Rights Council resolution 25/24 regarding the human rights situation in Iran. 41. Armenia commended the cultural and religious rights enjoyed by the country’s Armenian minority. 42. Australia urged the country to implement measures promoting freedom of expression and non-discrimination. 43. Austria was concerned by increasing executions and reports of torture, ill-treatment and deaths in custody. 44. Bahrain expressed concern about reports of severe restrictions on the rights of religious and ethnic minorities. 45. Bangladesh noted that the country would likely meet most of the Millennium Development Goals. 46. Belarus noted the development of national institutions to protect the rights of the most vulnerable. 47. Belgium was concerned about the increase in executions, including of children. 48. Benin commended the new Criminal Procedure Law that would facilitate access to justice. 49. Bhutan commended measures to advance women’s rights regarding education, health, employment and poverty. 50. The Plurinational State of Bolivia encouraged the Government to continue to strengthen human rights protection. 51. Bosnia and Herzegovina hoped that the country would develop its human rights protection system. 52. Brazil noted the recent progress, particularly regarding economic and social rights. 53. Brunei Darussalam commended the country’s activities as Chair of the Non-Aligned Movement (NAM) Group. 54. Burkina Faso noted the creation of new mechanisms to protect human rights. 55. Burundi encouraged the country to continue its efforts to prevent human trafficking. 56. Canada expressed great concern at Iran’s failure to apply standards of due process prior to the execution of Reyhaneh Jabbari. 57. Regarding freedoms of thought, religion, assembly and association, the delegation stated that the Islamic Republic of Iran had issued permits to 230 political parties, 400 labour and professional associations, and 60 minority religious associations. The organization of peaceful rallies and meetings was permissible under article 27 of the Constitution. On average, 300 gatherings and rallies were organized each year. Religious minorities could apply for permits for the establishment of associations to serve a variety of 6