A/HRC/13/11
also raised concern about the situation of refugees from Bhutan in camps in Eastern Nepal
and encouraged Bhutan to resume bilateral negotiations with Nepal. It made
recommendations.
44.
Serbia noted efforts that Bhutan has taken towards specific measures to fulfil its
international obligations relating to children and women’s rights, citing the drafting of
legislation on adoption, child care protection and domestic violence. Serbia sought
information on measures to combat stereotyping of gender roles in domestic media. Serbia
made recommendations.
45.
Algeria commended Bhutan’s efforts to attain Millennium Development Goal 1, and
was encouraged by results achieved thus far in resolving problems with food supply in
vulnerable regions and rural areas. It welcomed Bhutan’s substantial cuts in infant mortality
rates and the achievements made in a number of sectors, particularly on primary health
care. Algeria made recommendations.
46.
India welcomed measures taken by Bhutan, including the process of establishment
of a Supreme Court. It noted that Bhutan has become an observer to the International
Labour Organisation. Mindful that Bhutan’s priority is to enhance its institutional capacities
and consolidate its democracy against the challenges of poverty, unemployment, illegal
immigration and terrorism, India pledged its continuing support. India sought more details
about the scope and powers of the Parliamentary Committee on Human Rights.
47.
Thailand commended Bhutan’s good work in public health and that campaigns to
prevent discrimination against persons with HIV/AIDS are regularly carried out. Thailand
welcomed the importance Bhutan places on the promotion and protection of women and
children’s rights and hoped that the Domestic Violence bill would be adopted in due course.
Thailand recognized that various challenges remained to be tackled by Bhutan as a new
democracy. Thailand made recommendations.
48.
Indonesia noted that, consistent with Bhutan’s commitment to establishing an
inclusive and participatory system of governance, Bhutan has pledged to ensure 30 per cent
of candidates at the next elections will be women. It also noted that Bhutan is a country in
transition and commended the Constitutional guarantee of free education up to class ten.
Indonesia made recommendations.
49.
Turkey welcomed the ratification of the optional protocols to CRC, the
establishment of the Parliamentary Committee on Human Rights and adoption of the Royal
Bhutan Police and Prison Acts. It cited the increasing number of newspapers, radio and
television stations as developments in media freedom. It welcomed efforts on education,
climate change and the elimination of poverty. Turkey made recommendations.
50.
The Islamic Republic of Iran appreciated Bhutan’s efforts and commitments to
further promotion and protection of human rights and to address existing challenges, citing
international recognition for Bhutan’s strong commitment to environmental conservation
and protection. It also referred to such issues as women and children’s rights and the high
rate of poverty and unemployment. It made recommendations.
51.
Viet Nam commended Bhutan’s cooperation with United Nations human rights
mechanisms. It appreciated Bhutan’s efforts to realize the Millennium Development Goals,
especially for poverty reduction, free education and health care. Viet Nam shared the
difficulties and challenges that Bhutan is facing as it seeks to promote the enjoyment of
human rights. With that in mind, Vietnam made recommendations.
52.
Brunei Darussalam expressed support for Bhutan’s endeavours to learn from the
United Nations human rights mechanisms through projects and training. It was encouraged
by Bhutan’s work at the regional level with other SAARC members on the welfare of
women and children, and welcomed its pledge to draw international best practices into its
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