A/HRC/13/11 Canada remained concerned about the longstanding plight of Bhutanese refugees in Nepal, the restrictive conditions for acquiring Bhutanese citizenship, violence against girls and women, including sexual abuses against young girls in villages. Canada made recommendations. 36. The Philippines highly commended the strong basis established by Bhutan for the promotion of democratic values. Recognizing the challenges Bhutan faces, Philippines highlighted the significant gains in health, poverty alleviation and education. It sought information on the operationalization of GNH in the planning process and the tools used to monitor its implementation. Philippines inquired about plans to enhance Bhutan’s progress in improving gender equality. It made recommendations. 37. Cuba noted that Bhutan is a small developing country, victim of an unfair international economic order and that, nonetheless, Bhutan is making positive efforts in advancing the promotion and protection of human rights. Cuba congratulated Bhutan on its primary health care approach and asked for more information about the village health care workers initiative. It also noted that Bhutan guarantees free education to children. Cuba welcomed the priority given to combating poverty. Cuba made a recommendation. 38. Bangladesh noted the challenges Bhutan faces and recent impressive progress, which would have far-reaching human rights implications. It acknowledged progress in poverty reduction, education, healthcare and employment, as well as progress towards realizing the Millennium Development Goals and those of the South Asian Association for Regional Development (SAARC). It urged Bhutan to continue its good work, calling on it to do more to eradicate poverty. Bangladesh made recommendations. 39. Austria encouraged Bhutan to proceed on the path of legal and political reform. Austria noted that many women suffer from poor education, are strongly dependent on their husbands and families and may face labour exploitation and domestic violence. Austria asked about measures to effectively improve their situation and about the strengthening of efforts regarding children in need of alternative care, typically provided by monasteries or the extended family. Austria made recommendations. 40. Germany referred to worrying reports about domestic violence, noting that while CEDAW welcomed the planned tabling of a domestic violence bill by 2010, it urged Bhutan to prioritize the elimination of all forms of violence against women and increase access to justice for women victims. Germany asked about Bhutan’s efforts in that regard and made a number of recommendations. 41. Qatar noted Bhutan’s efforts to achieve its Millennium Development Goals and the concept of GNH in Bhutan’s development efforts. It applauded the provision of free primary education, calling for it to be made mandatory. It noted also the development of a national plan to ensure integration of children with special needs into the system. Qatar encouraged ratification of the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CRPD) and called for further technical cooperation with human rights bodies and mechanisms for capacity building in relation to human rights. 42. Malaysia considered Bhutan’s efforts to strengthen democratic norms, cultures and values amongst its people to be entirely appropriate. It was pleased to note that despite the many constraints and challenges, Bhutan is well on track to achieve most of the Millennium Development Goals, in particular in the areas of poverty eradication, basic public health and education. Malaysia made a number of recommendations. 43. The Netherlands expressed concern that the Civil Society Act of 2007 may result in restrictions on civil society. Appreciating Bhutan’s efforts to advance the position of women and combat domestic violence, it hoped for the establishment of Women and Child Protection Unit in major towns before the self-imposed 2013 deadline. The Netherlands 7