A/HRC/12/50 the universal periodic review process, and stated that the consolidation of democracy should not be hindered by destructive Taliban activities or damage to the civilian population from many years of war. 375. Indonesia commended Afghanistan for its efforts to implement human rights standards, while acknowledging the ongoing difficulties faced by the country. It commended, in particular, the establishment of the commission for the elimination of violence against women, the strengthening of the work of the Ministry of Women’s Affairs and the adult literacy courses for women. Indonesia supported the ongoing efforts to achieve political stability as a prerequisite for achieving sustainable economic development and social progress. 376. The United Arab Emirates noted the efforts of Afghanistan to improve living standards by, inter alia, fighting poverty, improving health and hygiene and establishing programmes in rural areas. It welcomed the efforts made to improve human rights in general, and especially to promote the rights of women and children. It noted that, as Afghanistan sought to implement the recommendations accepted, it needed to be encouraged in its efforts to promote economic and social development during this difficult transition period. 377. India noted that, despite decades of conflict and turmoil, Afghanistan had achieved a remarkable transformation in its policy in recent years. The establishment of an independent human rights commission and the adoption of a national development strategy were particularly noteworthy. India also commended it for progress in the realization of the Millennium Development Goals, as well as recent developments, such as the ratification of ILO Convention No. 144 and the adoption of the law on the elimination of violence against women. India reiterated its commitment to the development of Afghanistan. 378. Sweden welcomed the fact that Afghanistan had accepted its recommendation to take all the steps necessary to combat discrimination and violence against women. Sweden also appreciated its commitment to make further efforts to ensure that the status of freedom of expression was brought into line with international obligations. Noting that irregularities existed in the justice system and that there had been cases where detainees had been found innocent, Sweden encouraged Afghanistan to reconsider its position on the death penalty and move to support the reintroduction of a moratorium on executions. 379. Bahrain noted with pleasure the number of recommendations endorsed by Afghanistan, which was a clear reflection of the country’s interest in promoting human rights. Bahrain also welcomed the submission of the initial report under the Convention on the Rights of the Child. Bahrain referred to the efforts made in all human rights areas, in particular in protecting women and adopting the law on violence against women. 380. While welcoming the decision of the Government of Afghanistan to accept most of the recommendations, Hungary expressed concern about its refusal of the moratorium on the use of the death penalty. It also stressed that further steps were necessary to prevent the recruitment of children and the use of child combatants by the Taliban. Hungary recommended the continuation of the revision of the Shia personal status law and its harmonization with international obligations. While emphasizing that progress in the presidential elections was a crucial step towards democratization, Hungary remained concerned about the large number of irregularities reported to the electoral complaints commission and urged the Government to take all necessary measures to remedy the situation. 381. The United States of America commended Afghanistan for its efforts to enhance the capacity of national human rights institutions. It welcomed the adoption of national strategies and policies to support human rights, and encouraged Afghanistan to implement them fully. It was encouraged by the signature of the comprehensive domestic violence law, 119