A/HRC/12/50 226. The Russian Federation congratulated the Central African Republic for having accepted approximately two thirds of the recommendations and for having expressed its willingness to study others. It noted the voluntary commitments taken by the State, including the adoption of the national plan of action for the promotion and protection of human rights and a new criminal code. It wished the Central African Republic every success in realizing all accepted commitments and future progress in promoting and protecting human rights. 227. Egypt welcomed the comprehensive presentation by the Central African Republic. It stressed the fact that, despite many challenges and constraints, the Government had made efforts to promote human rights, which resulted in considerable progress and the attainment of stability since the adoption of the Constitution in 2004. It appreciated the responses given to recommendations and reiterated its call that the State continue its efforts to promote all universally agreed human rights and fundamental freedoms and to resist attempts to enforce any values or standards beyond the universally agreed ones. It also encouraged the State to implement its penal code in conformity with the universally agreed human rights standards, including the application of the death penalty. 228. The Libyan Arab Jamahiriya commended the Government for its efforts, including those regarding poverty reduction, economic reforms, ratification of most human rights international instruments and reforms aimed at guaranteeing women’s rights. It stressed that support from the international community was important to reach the Millennium Development Goals and to promote human rights. It considered that voluntary commitments made by the State during the presentation of its national report were highly important. 229. Morocco took note of the sincere commitment of the Central African Republic, which deserved the encouragement and appreciation of the Council. The number of recommendations enjoying the support of the Government illustrated its decision to go ahead in a transparent and objective manner, despite deadlines and budgetary difficulties. Morocco thanked the State for accepting its own recommendation regarding assistance by the international community to strengthen its capacity. Morocco highlighted the determination of the Government to respect its international human rights commitments and called on the international community to help it in identifying appropriate ways and means to ensure stability and development. 230. The United States of America welcomed the Central African Republic’s efforts to improve human rights. It remained concerned about the impunity enjoyed by perpetrators of human rights abuses in the security forces, including the presidential guard. It strongly supported the recommendations to investigate abuses and hold those responsible of violations accountable, and to incorporate human rights training into the military training. It appreciated the State’s efforts in the area of child soldiers and to undertake reforms of the justice system, as well as its willingness to work with human rights organizations, and encouraged the State to continue allowing special procedures to visit the country. It welcomed the national plan of action on gender-based violence. 231. Cuba thanked the Central African Republic for its responses and stressed that, during the review in May 2009, participants were able to acknowledge the efforts made by the Government to protect human rights despite major difficulties owing to an unjust international economic system and the global economic and financial crisis. Cuba added that the State was a developing country that had taken a number of measures to ensure the human rights of, in particular, vulnerable groups such as children and women, ethnic minorities and disabled people. These efforts were the sign of the Government’s strong commitment. Notwithstanding these efforts, the State still needed the assistance of the international community. Cuba urged all of those who truly worked in favour of human rights to provide their assistance. 96