A/HRC/12/50 485. China appreciated the detailed responses to the recommendations, which demonstrated the importance that Viet Nam attached to the universal periodic review. Viet Nam had been trying to strengthen democracy and rule of law, promote social equity, improve material standards and cultural rights, and had attained achievements in nationbuilding. Viet Nam committed to implementing recommendations, considering accession to relevant international conventions, improving its legal framework for human rights protection, promoting economic and social rights, protecting the rights of women, children and ethnic minorities, and reducing poverty. China wished it continued progress in nationbuilding and the protection of human rights. 486. Algeria appreciated Viet Nam’s determination to meet its obligations under international treaties and to consider accession to other human rights international instruments, such as the Convention against Torture. Its conclusive experience in the field of economic, social and cultural rights had allowed a substantial reduction of poverty. Viet Nam would share this experience with interested developing countries, thus contributing to strengthening South-South cooperation. Viet Nam had been able to show the added value of the universal periodic review and how it could contribute to implementing the goals underlying the establishment of the Council. 487. Thailand welcomed Viet Nam’s commitment to considering becoming party to a number of international human rights treaties and its readiness to cooperate with the special procedures system. It also welcomed the plans to further improve the national legal framework. It noted Viet Nam’s acceptance to continue to provide and expand human rights education and training for relevant Government authorities. Thailand appreciated Viet Nam’s contributions in the establishment of the ASEAN Intergovernmental Commission on Human Rights, and looked forward to working closely in this endeavour. Thailand expressed confidence that Viet Nam would translate the recommendations into actions, thus making a real difference on the ground. 488. Cambodia, as an ASEAN country, was pleased with the significant progress and achievements of Viet Nam in recent years. Particularly appreciated were the various followup activities carried out in the past four months. Cambodia took note of the continued commitments of Viet Nam to address the challenges ahead through further implementation of programmes and relevant plans aiming at promoting and protecting the rights of its citizens, especially in the economic, social and cultural areas, including minority rights. 489. Venezuela (Bolivarian Republic of) noted that Viet Nam’s cooperation with the universal periodic review demonstrated its commitment to human rights. It appreciated the achievements in the promotion of human rights, the presentation of development plans for social progress and the increase in the standard of living of the population. It also noted the Government’s efforts to provide care to people with disabilities as a result of the past neocolonial war. It expressed satisfaction at Viet Nam’s commitment to comply with the Millennium Development Goal regarding poverty reduction. 490. Cuba indicated that Viet Nam had accepted the majority of the recommendations made during the review. The success of the country, based on the political, economic and social system that had been freely chosen by its people, was significant, both in civil and political rights and in economic, social and cultural rights. Viet Nam had been able to demonstrate this success after its struggle against colonialism and military invasion. Cuba expressed its appreciation to a country that was clearly committed to the full respect for and enjoyment of all human rights for all. Its political willingness deserved recognition. 491. Malaysia was encouraged by Viet Nam’s steps towards implementing many of the recommendations. It welcomed the various mechanisms in place to guarantee the protection of fundamental freedoms and rights and to promote employment, economic growth and alleviate poverty. Malaysia was encouraged by Viet Nam’s commitment to speed up law 136