A/HRC/12/9 Page 7 national armed forces, national security forces and any other armed actors; situation of women in Afghanistan; functioning of institutions; and strengthening the democratic process and free and transparent elections. 33. The Republic of Korea welcomed the establishment of special State commissions which aim to uphold the human rights of children, women and detainees. It noted that prejudice and discrimination against women are still persistent. The growing number of IDPs and returnees is of great concern to the Republic of Korea. 34. Bhutan recognized the challenges and constraints faced by Afghanistan and noted that progress in the area of governance and towards the achievement of the MDG targets in health and education were encouraging. Afghanistan’s joining the South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation in April 2007 was a natural extension of historical linkages and regional cultural affinities. 35. France asked about measures to improve law enforcement officials’ knowledge regarding criminal procedure and the rights of detainees. It asked also how Afghanistan intended to combat threats, intimidations and violence against women and what assurances could be given regarding the adoption of legal texts that allow for a true and real promotion of the condition of women. Information about measures to be taken regarding transitional justice was requested. France made a number of recommendations. 36. Indonesia inquired whether Afghanistan has any plan to ratify additional core human rights conventions. It noted the adoption of the Afghan National Development Strategy. It asked about new Government strategies to reinforce the role of civil society and if the role of AIHRC can be further expanded. 37. Azerbaijan mentioned that terrorism, insecurity and poverty continue to hinder the normal life of Afghani people and continue to pose serious challenges for the Government. It strongly supported the efforts of the Government aimed at eliminating all difficulties, advancing democracy and defending human rights. Azerbaijan took positive note that AIHRC functions effectively and mentioned the comprehensive national development strategy. 38. Mexico noted with interest the recommendations in the national report, which it interpreted as voluntary commitments. Mexico made a number of recommendations. It recommended linking those recommendations to concrete actions for their implementation. 39. South Africa noted that acute poverty and unemployment prevail, and women continue to face enormous social, economic, security and human rights challenges. It referred to the importance of the requisite resources being provided to effectively implement the National Action Plan for Women. It recalled that the three-decades-long crisis had a detrimental impact on children, who have suffered all kinds of violence. South Africa made a recommendation. 40. Sri Lanka commended Afghanistan for the adoption and amendment of a number of laws in conformity with human rights standards, the creation of mechanisms for protecting and monitoring human rights and the initiation of the reporting process on international human rights treaties. It commended the work of AIHRC. It was encouraged to note that 50 private prisons have been closed due to monitoring and follow-up activities and more than 3,614 illegally detained individuals have been released. Sri Lanka made a recommendation.