A/HRC/10/75
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national report. They were particularly impressed by innovative steps such as field visits and the
construction of a website for the universal periodic review, participation of civil society,
empowerment of women, the quality of education and health systems and the fight against
human trafficking.
28.
Qatar noted the economic support provided to OHCHR and the Global Initiative to Fight
Trafficking. Citing references in the report to the country’s laws on publication and on
journalism, Qatar recommended that the 1980 law on publications and all other related laws take
into account the evolution of freedom of expression and opinion. It invited the Council to
commend and encourage the steps taken by the State to promote human rights and fundamental
freedoms.
29.
Venezuela (Bolivarian Republic of) referred to the right to education, observing the great
efforts taken to implement programmes for the development of an education system, as in the
case of the Morning School Programme. It offered its experiences in education and asked if the
State had planned to introduce universal human rights principles in its school programmes.
30.
Egypt expressed appreciation for the efforts made in preparing the national report, saying
it covered all legal aspects that guarantee human rights. It requested further clarification on how
the Government intended to strengthen the position of women and enable them to pursue
advancement. It recommended that the country continue efforts to strengthen and protect human
rights in accordance with international standards that are in keeping with cultural values of the
Emirati people, and continue to refuse to apply any standards or principles that are outside
agreed upon international human rights principles and standards, including any attempt to
impose foreign values and customs on the Emirati people.
31.
Saudi Arabia commended the inclusion of human rights principles in the Constitution and
national laws, the ratification of core international human rights instruments and the creation, in
1998, of a ministerial commission in charge of civil liberties and human rights. It recommended
that the State continue with its achievements in human rights and take them into account as an
encouraging factor for the promotion and protection of human rights. Saudi Arabia asked about
measures taken to protect the economic and social rights in the country from the fallout of the
international economic crisis.
32.
Singapore indicated that the State hosted, in January 2008, a ministerial consultation on
overseas employment and contractual labour for countries of origin and destination in Asia. It
noted that the State has called on employers to provide adequate housing and access to basic
health-care services for all migrant workers and created bank guarantees that earmark funds for
worker compensation. It added that labour laws punish those who employ or harbour illegal
workers. Singapore said the State is addressing the issue of human trafficking seriously, going
beyond the enforcement of the law to assist victims.
33.
Bahrain noted the State’s efforts to combat human trafficking, including through adoption
of a national law, creation of a national commission and accession to relevant international
instruments. Bahrain complimented the State for its pioneering and considerable experience in
ending employment of children in camel racing. It recommended that the State invite the Special
Rapporteur on trafficking in persons, especially women and children, to visit the country and
asked for more information about the national strategy for combating human trafficking.
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