A/HRC/13/11 the Elimination of Discrimination against Women and regional conventions. This has contributed to the development of legislative instruments and in undertaking human rights activities. 10. The delegation emphasized that Bhutan is fully committed to ensuring equal rights for women and men to enjoy all economic, social, cultural, civil and political rights, and also eliminating discrimination against women in all its forms. Bhutanese women are secured by societal traditions; for instance, matrilineal practices are pervasive, women inherit property and are able to make significant decisions on property and family matters. 11. Bhutan is a multi ethnic, multi religious country. Consistent with the philosophy of Gross National Happiness (GNH), the principle of non-discrimination irrespective of gender, ethnic origin, religion, language, political opinion, economic status or other grounds, has always been central to all government policies and actions, which are designed to foster an inclusive and harmonious society. 12. Concerning the rights enjoyed by Bhutanese of ethnic Nepalese origin (Lhotshampas), the delegation informed that those people, who had first entered southern Bhutan in the beginning of the 20th century, as economic migrants, were granted Bhutanese citizenship as a one-time measure in 1958. Lhotshmapas, now comprising over 20 per cent of the population, are fully represented in the civil service, the security forces, the Parliament and in the business sector. Two of the 10 cabinet ministers, the Deputy Speaker of the National Assembly and 20 percent of its members are Lhotshampas. 13. Despite Bhutan’s diverse society, no sectarian or religious violence has occurred and no societal tension or discord exists. The Constitution guarantees religious freedom while the government promotes peaceful coexistence between different religious groups. 14. The delegation emphasized that Bhutan believes that all human rights are indivisible, interrelated, interdependent and mutually reinforcing, and that equal importance must be accorded to civil and political rights, and economic, social and cultural rights including the right to development. 15. The delegation highlighted that Bhutan’s development is guided by the philosophy of GNH, which recognizes that quality of life is more than just material comfort; that psychological and emotional well being and cultural growth enhances a person’s ability to contribute to enriching all humanity. Bhutan is refining the tools and indicators of GNH so that this holistic development paradigm may become an alternative development model. 16. The delegation pointed out that poverty remains one of the greatest impediments to the full enjoyment of human rights in Bhutan. 17. The delegation explained that with a population of 658,888, the most serious challenge that Bhutan faced is demographic inundation. Bhutan’s relative socio-economic development success made it an attractive destination for people in search of better livelihoods. Given Bhutan’s tiny population and fragile culture, such a problem posed a threat to its survival as a nation state. The nationality and citizenship laws are the only safeguards against such threats. 18. In response to questions on the issue of citizenship, the delegation stated that the Constitution and the Citizenship Acts confers citizenship through jus sanguinis and naturalization. In recent years, 588 individuals of Nepalese origin, 930 Tibetans and 222 individuals of other nationalities were granted Bhutanese citizenship through naturalization. With UNICEF assistance, Bhutan is in the process of developing an effective institutional mechanism for birth registration. According to Bhutan’s citizenship laws, Bhutanese women who are married to non-Bhutanese do not lose their citizenship. 4