A/HRC/14/37 224. Kuwait stated that, through the universal periodic review, Qatar had shown that human rights were the cornerstone to its comprehensive reform policies at the constitutional, economic, social and cultural levels. Qatar had established a national human rights commission in line with the Paris Principles, as well as other independent institutions dealing with interfaith dialogue and press freedom. Kuwait commended Qatar for hosting the United Nations Human Rights Training and Documentation Centre for South-West Asia and the Arab Region, and for accepting a number of recommendations, particularly those made by Kuwait regarding the promotion of the rights of women and their role in society. 225. Pakistan noted that Qatar had accepted a large number of recommendations and welcomed its resolve to accelerate efforts to promote and protect human rights. It was pleased by Qatar’s readiness to consider ratifying international human rights instruments, in particular the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights and the International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights. Pakistan noted that women were key partners in the social development of the country, and welcomed its commitment to continue ensuring women’s full participation in the social and political fields. Pakistan recognized the presence of considerable numbers of foreign workers in Qatar and noted the Government’s commitment to strengthen labour laws to improve their living and working conditions. 3. General comments made by other relevant stakeholders 226. The National Human Rights Committee of Qatar commended the efforts made to uphold human rights at the legislative and executive levels. It hoped that Qatar would soon accede to the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights and the International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights. Although national laws, with a few exceptions, guaranteed all rights, the Committee noted the efforts made to amend laws in the areas of media, housing, workers and labour, and hoped for their prompt adoption. The Committee also noted the efforts made in cooperating with treaty bodies, by submitting initial and periodic reports and presenting the necessary clarifications. The effective implementation of international obligations required further efforts in order to incorporate them into national legislation. 227. The Cairo Institute for Human Rights Studies called for the repeal of two laws used to fight terrorism, which legalized de facto arbitrary and incommunicado detention. It asked Qatar to define torture in its domestic legislation, in conformity with article 1 of the Convention against Torture and Other Cruel, Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment, and to prohibit the expulsion, return or extradition of a person to another State that practices torture. It noted that the code governing nationality authorized the withdrawal of a citizen’s nationality in certain cases and that the law established inequality between naturalized citizens and those of Qatari origin. Measures should be taken to ensure de facto equal rights for all citizens and to fight against situations of statelessness. 228. The Indian Council of South America congratulated Qatar on having accepted many recommendations, including that on the death penalty. It welcomed the acceptance of the visit by the Special Rapporteur on trafficking in persons, especially women and children, and the effort to draft laws on combating human trafficking and on domestic workers. It called upon Qatar to invite more special procedures mandate holders to visit the country and to continue to strengthen cooperation with civil society in areas such as the administration of justice, education, public health, migrant workers and gender equality. It asked for more women to be allowed in higher levels of government, and that Qatar support regional meetings to discuss the injustices that women face. 229. Organisation pour la communication en Afrique et de promotion de la coopération économique internationale welcomed the commitments made by Qatar during the universal periodic review, including with regard to women’s education. It congratulated Qatar on its 82 GE.12-17781