A/HRC/12/9 Page 11 70. Malaysia said that the Government has demonstrated its commitment and determination to improve the human rights situation and welcomed the close cooperation between the Government and various United Nations bodies. Malaysia proposed a number of recommendations, including on children in armed conflict. 71. Lebanon noted the positive developments in the field of human rights, including the establishment of AIHRC and the special state commissions. It welcomed the Government’s endeavours to set the country on the path of economic development in a difficult context of conflict and emergency. Lebanon made a recommendation to Afghanistan. 72. The United Arab Emirates welcomed the efforts of the Government in all the critical human rights areas, especially to improve the conditions of life such as combating poverty, promoting the right to food, adequate housing, education, health, women and children. It requested information on the initiatives of the Government to combat and eradicate poverty and to implement the CRC. 73. Spain noted progress made, raised a number of concerns and made a number of recommendations. It was concerned about the rising threats to journalists. It acknowledged the good work of AIHRC and welcomed the work of the Ministry for Women’s Affairs. It pointed out the need to ensure that the Afghan population has better knowledge of the protection of human rights. 74. China stressed that, with the support of the international community, Afghanistan has established a new political system and taken positive measures including the adoption of a new Constitution and the establishment of mechanisms for protecting and monitoring human rights. Afghanistan is actively implementing a national development strategy with poverty reduction and improvement of people’s livelihood as a priority. China asked what the specific plans and measures of this process are, and what kind of assistance and support Afghanistan would like to receive from the international community. 75. Maldives noted the efforts of Afghanistan such as the ratification of a Constitution that embodies the fundamental human rights; the establishment of AIHRC; ratification of six international human rights instruments; reopening of schools and providing educational opportunities for 6 million students in 2008/2009; and the formation of a Ministry of women’s Affairs for effective implementation of CEDAW and active participation of women in politics, the judiciary and social economic and cultural spheres. It acknowledged the positive engagement of Afghanistan with OHCHR, the special procedures, UNHCR and other United Nations agencies. 76. Argentina noted progress in the human rights field as well as some concerns and made a number of recommendations. It noted that, according to the national report, there are serious inadequacies in the judicial system and that the Government has not replied to any communications transmitted by special procedures. 77. Jordan said that Afghanistan continues to take steps to effectively address many political, economic and social problems as well as to improve the human rights situation. Jordan made a number of recommendations to Afghanistan. 78. Japan noted that anti-corruption measures should be strengthened and the security situation improved. Japan noted that the re-examination of the Shia Personal Status Law is now being carried out and hoped the proposed legislation is appropriately received in a way