A/HRC/13/4 protects civil and political rights. It commended Cambodia’s emphasis on poverty reduction. It noted recent efforts to improve the legal and judicial system, the rule of law, good governance and the institutional framework related to the protection of human rights, and enquired about the role of the Senate Complaints Commission and establishment of a national human rights institution. 46. Viet Nam noted Cambodia’s great efforts and recorded achievements in national reconciliation, reconstruction and socio-economic development. It commended the reforms undertaken in political stability and security, education, health, poverty alleviation, anticorruption, land use and advancement of the rights of women and other vulnerable groups. It made recommendations. 47. Mexico recognized advances made to confront recent history and serious human rights violations, as well as Cambodia’s cooperation with the international community. It noted that Cambodia faced significant challenges in strengthening its human rights’ protection with international support. Mexico asked about the status of the establishment of the national preventive mechanism, once OP-CAT was ratified. It made recommendations. 48. China welcomed the establishment of the commissions for human rights and the receipt of complaints, and the National Human Rights Committee. It noted Cambodia’s rather weak social economic foundation, which must be considered when assessing the human rights situation. It commended the Rectangular Strategy and the national strategic development plan, which had sped up economic growth. China asked about progress made in land reform and how it was impacting on the protection of human rights. 49. The Russian Federation, while acknowledging the problems and challenges faced by Cambodia, commended efforts to ensure recovery, implement a policy of national reconciliation, support stability in society as well as high rates of economic growth, and improve living standards. It put forward recommendations. 50. Belarus welcomed efforts to enhance and protect human rights through measures to combat poverty and unemployment, facilitate access to health care and provide basic education. Belarus appreciated efforts to improve the legal and judicial systems as well as legislative initiatives to combat trafficking of persons, and made a number of recommendations. 51. Thailand noted the legal and judicial reforms, which would enhance implementation of the core international human rights instruments and help strengthen the rule of law. It welcomed the Rectangular Strategy and national strategic development plan and the clearance of landmines. It congratulated Cambodia for recognizing that more needs to be done to meet the rising expectations of its people. Thailand made recommendations. 52. The Philippines noted the persistence of underdevelopment and resource constraints, as well as Cambodia’s commitment to human rights and its openness and cooperation with the international community, including the Council and treaty bodies. It applauded Cambodia’s decision to establish an independent national human rights institution. It noted that improving literacy and quality of education was a challenge and observed Cambodia’s measures to curb violence and sexual exploitation of women and girls. It made recommendations. 53. The Republic of Korea noted Cambodia’s efforts, especially in the social, economic, political and cultural fields. It shared treaty body concerns about the lack of judicial independence and impunity. It asked about strategies to address these concerns. It took note of stakeholders’ submissions, referring to public education initiatives that had produced a change of attitude towards disability. It made recommendations. 54. In its responses, the Cambodian delegation highlighted that land issues are among the priorities in its national agenda. The delegation explained the objectives of the 2001 9