A/HRC/12/9 Page 8 41. Belgium, while noting the efforts made with the creation of a ministry for women’s affairs and the adoption of a strategic plan of action for women’s rights, said that Afghan women are still too often victims of domestic and sexual violence and other types of discrimination. It was concerned about the draft Shia Personal Status Law and asked if any amendments have been made. Belgium drew attention to other significant human rights challenges facing Afghanistan in the area of freedom of expression and the media and made recommendations. 42. Germany commended the Government for making visible progress in the area of health care under difficult circumstances. It commented, inter alia, on reports from the United Nations and NGO stakeholders about significant restrictions to freedom of expression and asked about efforts by the Government to eliminate such limitations. Germany made a number of recommendations. 43. Nepal indicated that Afghanistan has several development challenges, including investment in human capital and the broad-based recovery and reconstruction of national infrastructures. This requires generous international cooperation in a sustained manner. Nepal made a recommendation. 44. Bahrain indicated that the Government was able, with the cooperation of the international community, to take great steps, including the adoption of a new Constitution and the holding of presidential, parliamentary and municipal elections. Bahrain welcomed the efforts to include civil society as a main stakeholder in the promotion of human rights. It asked to what extent the Constitution takes into account human rights and about the political participation of women. Bahrain made a recommendation. 45. Saudi Arabia referred to the establishment of a political system, the approval of a new Constitution, the holding of presidential, parliamentary and municipal elections and the setting up of human rights monitoring mechanisms. Afghanistan had adopted national strategies for education and health and nutrition. Saudi Arabia made a recommendation. 46. Morocco mentioned that Afghanistan has demonstrated its commitment to human rights and set up a number of strategies and action plans to promote human rights, in particular in the areas of justice, education, children and health. It asked about measures to combat HIV/AIDS and ensure access to drinking water. Morocco welcomed the adoption of the transitional justice programme and made recommendations. 47. Egypt said that Afghanistan is exerting commendable efforts towards the reinstatement of stability and the establishment of the rule of law and asked about the steps envisioned to put into effect the plans and programmes outlined in the national report. Egypt made a number of recommendations including on implementation of laws, in conformity with universally agreed human rights norms. 48. Canada recognized the challenges faced by the Government, saluted the efforts to consolidate democracy, indicated it was ready to provide continued human rights training to Afghan national security forces and encouraged the Government to increase its efforts to promote and protect human rights. Canada made a number of recommendations. 49. The United States of America offered a number of recommendations to the Government with full recognition of the progress that had already been achieved.