A/HRC/12/9 Page 6 the national development strategy, and seeking assistance for report preparation and achieving the MDGs. 24. Qatar noted that human rights in Afghanistan are guaranteed by a number of political and judicial mechanisms and that the Constitution ensures the rights and freedoms of citizens. Afghanistan ratified most of the core human rights conventions and attaches great importance to the protection of minorities and the development of rural areas. Noting that grave challenges face the country, Qatar asked about the priorities of the Government to build the capacities in the field of human rights, about the legal basis for the judiciary and to what extent the judiciary respects human rights norms. 25. India noted that much more needed to be done, especially in capacity building, improving civilian oversight of security forces, enhancing justice administration and combating adverse social practices against women and children. Pointing out its USD 1.2 billion assistance since 2002, crucial in the fulfilment of basic human rights in Afghanistan, India noted its serious concern at increasing terrorist activities by Taliban that targeted development efforts by the international community, like the attack on the Indian Embassy in Kabul in July 2008. 26. Finland while welcoming the President’s decision to review the constitutionality of the draft Shia Personal Status Law, asked about the possibilities to review the constitutionality of laws in general. Finland further commented on the situation of women and the independence of the Afghanistan human rights institution and made a number of recommendations. 27. The Islamic Republic of Iran made a number of recommendations to Afghanistan. It stressed that poverty alleviation, the eradication of illiteracy and combating drug trafficking and terrorism need to be taken seriously at all levels of Government. It mentioned that increasing civilian casualties was a major cause of concern. 28. Singapore commended the Government's clear resolve to stem administrative corruption. Other important steps taken since the fall of the Taliban include providing education and empowering women. Singapore asked how the Government plans to promote education and school attendance and enquired about the lower enrolment of girls. 29. Norway addressed four issues: a) civil society and human rights defenders; b) remaining pervasive discrimination against women and girls; c) deterioration of freedom of expression, including intimidation of and violence towards Afghan journalists; and d) the implementation of the Action Plan on Peace, Justice and Reconciliation and made related recommendations. 30. The Netherlands raised concerns and made recommendations on a) the establishment of a Human Rights Unit within the Ministry of Justice, b) transitional justice, c) freedom of expression and media diversity, and d) women’s rights. 31. The Philippines commended the establishment of a Ministry of Women’s Affairs and affirmative action policies that increase participation of women in political life. It asked about the legal grounds laid for ensuring basic health services and what strategies and programmes have been adopted and implemented. It asked about Government efforts to combat trafficking in children and further improve access to basic education and promote food security, especially in rural areas. 32. Switzerland was concerned about and made recommendations relating to the: growing insecurity and the allegations of international law violations committed by multinational and