A/HRC/WG.6/1/IND/4 page 13 60. Nepal stated that a few hours ago Nepal successfully completed historic elections to the Constituent Assembly to institutionalize the peace process, establish democracy and place human rights at the centre of governance. Nepal warmly congratulated Indian on having successfully completed 60 years of democracy and stated that India has proved to be largest and most representative democracy in the world. Nepal observed that the deepening of democratic roots in India has produced strong institutions, an independent judiciary, a vibrant and free media and giving people their say and share in the governance of the country. Nepal commended India for its effective implementation of various policies, plans and programmes to promote equality and justice as well as its affirmative action programmes to address the situation of marginalized communities, to promote and protect of the rights of women and children and to support the disabled and elderly. Given the exemplary role of the National Human Rights Commission, Nepal asked how the Commission’s experience could be shared with other countries as a best practice. 61. Sri Lanka spoke about its enormous respect and admiration for India’s achievements. India had set an example of how to manage the vexed question of achieving unity in diversity. Sri Lanka stated that the thinking that has gone into the Indian Constitution approximates, in our part of the world, the achievement of the Framers of the Constitution of the United States of America and that this framework has served India well. Sri Lanka noted that despite the existence of a democratic federal political structure in India certain separatist terrorist insurgencies particularly in the north east of Indian territory have persisted for many decades and that this gives the lie to the received wisdom that federalism or a measure of federalism is a sufficient condition for the eradication of terrorist movements of a particularly intractable sort. Sri Lanka stated that it is a great admirer of the manner in which India has developed a notion of nationhood which is broad and inclusive and pluralist and admires India’s determination that the preservation, advancement and protection of human rights in India shall be an Indian matter. 62. Ecuador noted that India is a country with a multi-cultural character and a vast legal history. Taking this into consideration, Ecuador would like to know more about India’s approach to the progressive implementation of social and cultural rights and how this is done without affecting the cultural wealth, social diversity and customs and practices of the country. 63. Palestine expressed appreciation of India’s ability to feed its population of over 1 billion people and stated that this is a great achievement that ought to be emulated and is a clear indication of India’s success in economic planning and its implementation. Its Constitution is based on noble values and principles. It has pursued a democratic path caring for the rights of women, children, the elderly and disabled persons as well as respect for all religions. Palestine asked how has India combined between this progress and the maintenance of social and cultural rights that are closely linked to its traditions, civilization, legacies and time old humanist heritage. 64. The Syrian Arab Republic commended India for its report and the transparency and cooperative spirit in which it was prepared. It requested additional information on the role of the judiciary in setting the framework for promoting human rights in India. 65. Egypt mentioned that it was impressed with the extent to which fundamental human rights principles are embodied in India’s Constitution as well as with its human rights infrastructure. It raised questions regarding (i) the Right to Information Act 2005 and the tangible results achieved so far through it, and (ii) the successes and challenges encountered in integrating women in India’s economic development efforts.