A/HRC/12/50 programmes, in particular the measures taken to respond to the problems of children and adolescents in extreme vulnerability. It appreciated Uruguay’s determination to continue the necessary consultations in the follow-up to the recommendations, which were accepted without major reservations. 528. Cuba admired Uruguay’s efforts to promote and protect human rights, which had led to significant achievements in all fields, civil and political rights, as well as economic, social and cultural rights. As a developing country with limited resources, aggravated by the current economic and financial global crisis, Uruguay had nonetheless multiplied its efforts. The achievements reached by the country were unquestionable, including in the need to end impunity. Cuba highlighted the equity plan and its comprehensiveness, since it encompassed areas such as health, education, food, employment and social security. Cuba noted the indicators obtained since the plan’s application clearly reflected its effectiveness in combating poverty, promoting equality and social justice. Experiences such as these were examples of good practices for the promotion and protection of human rights. 529. The Russian Federation welcomed the Uruguayan delegation and noted its successful completion of the universal periodic review process. It welcomed the readiness of Uruguay to implement all recommendations, including the two recommendations submitted by the Russian Federation on alleviating poverty and on the outcome document of the Durban Review Conference. It wished Uruguay every success in implementing the obligations which it had assumed under the universal periodic review process. 530. Nicaragua applauded Uruguay’s cooperation in sharing its national experience in implementing recommendations made to strengthen its system of protection and promotion of human rights. Nicaragua, which prioritized citizen participation in policy and decisionmaking processes as founding principle of democracy, congratulated Uruguay on having consulted with civil society to follow up on its international human rights commitments. The review of Uruguay permitted the sharing of good practices. 531. Colombia congratulated Uruguay on the referendum to be organized on 25 October 2009, which could provide Uruguayans residing abroad with the opportunity to exercise their right to vote, and on the second referendum on the issue of justice, which would help combat all forms of impunity inherited from dictatorship. Colombia highlighted Uruguay’s advances in the fight against all forms of discrimination by creating a national plan against discrimination and by adopting laws based on the universality of human rights, reaffirming non-discrimination against sexual orientation. Colombia acknowledged Uruguay’s commitment to the defence and promotion of children’s rights. 3. General comments made by other relevant stakeholders 532. Following recommendations made by the Czech Republic, the Federatie van Netherlandse Verenigingen tot Integratie van Homoseksualiteit (COC Nederland) and the Canadian HIV/AIDS Legal Network recommended that Uruguay explicitly include sexual orientation and gender identity as grounds for discrimination in the development of such a framework. Referring to a bill pending adoption by Parliament recognizing the right of all persons to the free development of their personality in accordance with their gender identity without requiring sex-reassignment surgery, COC Nederland commended Uruguay for adopting this legislation as well as for its announcement to develop initiatives that recognized the rights of same-sex couples. It welcomed the role Uruguay had played in bringing attention to the rights of lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender persons in international forums, and the measures taken nationally, including its leadership in being the first country in Latin America to provide for same-sex civil unions. 533. Conectas Direitos Humanos noted the difficulties in the consultation process in preparation for the universal periodic review, including the selective way of convening 142