A/HRC/15/2 62. Lebanon hoped that the participation of the provisional Government in the review would contribute to the improvement of the human rights situation and to the fulfilment of the aspirations of the Kyrgyz people. Lebanon made recommendations. 63. Belgium underscored that it was important that the process of ratifying the Second Optional Protocol to the International Covenant for Civil and Political Rights be concluded successfully. Belgium called attention to concerns expressed by the Committee on the Elimination of Racial Discrimination regarding asylum seekers belonging to certain minority groups. It expressed concern about domestic violence. Belgium made recommendations. 64. The Islamic Republic of Iran appreciated the fact that the Government had participated in the universal periodic review despite recent developments. It noted the preparation of a referendum and general elections. It recognized efforts to address challenges and shortcomings. It highlighted achievements in the areas of education, the rights of women and children, and the right to life and health. Iran made recommendations. 65. Denmark encouraged the provisional Government to ensure respect and protection for all human rights and to provide for free, fair and transparent democratic elections. It asked about measures to protect journalists and human rights defenders. Denmark noted that child labour remained a growing challenge, citing reports of widespread torture and other forms of ill treatment. Denmark made recommendations. 66. Slovakia expressed appreciation for the abolition of the death penalty in Kyrgyzstan in 2007 and the country’s planned accession to the Second Optional Protocol to the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights. The delegation recognized the commendable normative framework in place concerning children. However, it expressed concern about the persistence of child labour in the country. Slovakia made recommendations. 67. Sweden requested further elaboration about measures taken to protect freedom of expression, including the protection of the security of journalists. It also mentioned the issue of the corporal punishment of children and inquired about measures taken to ensure the freedom of children from violence, including corporal punishment, in any setting. Sweden made recommendations. 68. Uruguay welcomed the efforts made by Kyrgyzstan to abolish the death penalty and to incorporate that prohibition into its Constitution. Uruguay also welcomed the opening of the OHCHR office for Central Asia in the country. It also welcomed progress made through the approval of a law on State guarantees for equal rights and opportunities. Uruguay made recommendations. 69. Japan expected that efforts aimed at the restoration of democracy and constitutional order would proceed legally and peacefully. Japan would follow closely the human rights situation in Kyrgyzstan. It noted the efforts to promote and protect the rights of women and children, such as the adoption of relevant action plans, national programmes and the planned formulation of criteria relating to domestic violence and preventive measures. Japan made a recommendation. 70. Ireland appreciated the abolition of the death penalty. It remained concerned about a number of issues, in particular de facto discrimination against women and widespread domestic violence; the independence of the judiciary; and the increasing attacks against journalists and obstacles to the right to peaceful assembly. Ireland made recommendations. 71. The Republic of Korea welcomed Kyrgyzstan’s efforts to enhance cooperation with the United Nations human rights mechanisms. It acknowledged the progress made regarding women's rights and asked about measures aimed at the implementation of existing legislation in that field. It recalled concerns about the lack of independence of the 11