A/HRC/12/50 but shared concerns about flaws in the recently published Shia family law. It referred to concerns about intimidation and violence against journalists and limitations on freedom of expression, and encouraged Afghanistan to adopt a media law. It also supported recommendations to ensure an effective, independent and impartial judicial system that upholds human rights. 382. Kyrgyzstan followed closely the progress achieved in Afghanistan, given the country’s importance to the prosperity and security of the region. It noted that, despite political and economic and social difficulties, Afghanistan and the international community had made important achievements in creating a political system, ensuring legal and judicial reform and adopting laws in keeping with human rights standards. Kyrgyzstan noted the role played by the independent human rights commission in monitoring human rights and the work of the national mechanism in monitoring respect for the Constitution, laws and human rights obligations and to follow up on possible violations. Kyrgyzstan welcomed the ratification of human rights treaties and adoption of new laws designed to protect human rights in Afghanistan. 383. Kazakhstan noted that Afghanistan’s review provided a better understanding of the challenges facing the country. It welcomed the progress achieved in Afghanistan and supported the recommendations regarding the elimination of extreme poverty and hunger, access to primary education and the promotion of women’s rights. Kazakhstan recalled that the achievement of the Millennium Development Goals should be a priority and that Afghanistan should continue its strong partnership with the international community, which in turn should bear in mind its moral obligation to help Afghanistan. Kazakhstan referred to its valuable contribution to development efforts in Afghanistan. 3. General comments made by other relevant stakeholders 384. The Afghanistan Independent Human Rights Commission urged the Government to take practical steps to ensure women’s rights to life and security, education, employment, access to justice and political participation. It called on the Government to prioritize programmes creating employment opportunities so as to prevent displacement and risky migration, and urged it to respect the rights to freedom of speech and expression, protection of the life of journalists, fighting corruption, ending impunity and the promotion of good governance. The Commission urged all concerned to respect international humanitarian law fully and to refrain from actions causing civilian casualties. It also expected the Government to review and amend domestic law in compliance with international human rights law, and to value and respond positively to the recommendations of human rights civil society organizations. The Commission urged the Government to invite special rapporteurs to Afghanistan. It requested political and financial support from the government and State institutions, which would enable the Commission to fulfil its mandate. 385. The International Lesbian and Gay Association (ILGA-EUROPE) and the Canadian HIV/AIDS Legal Network expressed in a joint statement regret that Afghanistan had rejected recommendations to either abolish or reinstate a moratorium on the death penalty. They noted the laws criminalizing same-sex relations between consenting adults and the sharia law providing for the death penalty for consenting homosexual sex. They called on the Government to repeal these laws in accordance with Afghanistan’s international human rights obligations. 386. The Al-Hakim Foundation appreciated the efforts made by the Government in the area of human rights and the support provided to the Afghanistan Independent Human Rights Commission and other institutions, such as the commissions to combat corruption, reform civil administration and eliminate discrimination against women. The Foundation emphasized that the role of civil society should be strengthened. It expressed concern over the worsening of terrorist acts, calling on the international community, in cooperation with 120