A/HRC/27/11 68. Iraq noted the Government’s achievements in the areas of education and health care, and the enhancement of the well-being of children and older persons. 69. Ireland expressed concern at the amendments to the Penal Code which prescribed the death penalty for a wide range of offences. While welcoming the achievement of high office by women, it stressed the need for improvements in the protection of women’s rights. 70. Iran (Islamic Republic of) highlighted the efforts by Brunei Darussalam to improve the situation of women and children through the establishment of the Special Committee and the Plan of Action on Family Institution and Women. 71. Italy noted strengthened protection of children from sexual exploitation, but expressed concern regarding the Sharia Penal Code Order and restrictions on freedom of expression. It noted that Brunei Darussalam had not yet acceded to several international instruments. 72. Japan thanked Brunei Darussalam for explaining its position on sharia law. It commended measures taken towards acceding to treaties it had not yet ratified; the appointment of women to government posts; the submission of reports to the Committee on the Elimination of Discrimination against Women and improved social security for women during maternity. 73. Jordan highly appreciated the enactment of the Children and Young Persons Act, the adoption of the Workplace Safety and Health Order and the establishment of the Special Committee on Family Institution and Women. 74. Kazakhstan acknowledged the measures to improve human rights, including the provision of housing, health care and education. It called for universal education, especially for vulnerable social groups and noted the efforts to secure freedom of religion. 75. Kuwait commended the methodical approach adopted by Brunei Darussalam in preparing its report, and its commitment to strengthening human rights. 76. The Lao People’s Democratic Republic noted Brunei Darussalam’s accession to international conventions and its development of national instruments. It welcomed the progress made towards achieving the MDGs and encouraged safeguarding the rights of children, women, the elderly and persons with disabilities, and improving access to health care and education. 77. Morocco welcomed the adoption of the Children and Young Persons Act, the amendment of the Penal Code to further protect the young and vulnerable from sexual exploitation, and the adoption of legal provisions to protect migrant workers. 78. Malaysia appreciated the progress made since the first UPR and congratulated the country on attaining the MDGs and on progress made regarding the rights of women, children and persons with disabilities through the implementation of legislation. 79. Maldives commended Brunei Darussalam’s engagement in the UPR process, its commitment to improving its citizens’ living conditions and the progress made towards attaining the MDGs. It encouraged the international community to assist the country in overcoming challenges. 80. Mauritania noted the emphasis placed on promoting human rights by ensuring basic standards of health care, education, food, housing and welfare. It commended the holding of an Awareness Forum on the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination against Women (CEDAW) and the signing of CRPD. 81. Mexico noted that the ratification of the conventions on statelessness would support efforts to regularize the situation of stateless persons. It called on Brunei Darussalam to extend invitations to all United Nations specialized agencies to visit the country. 10