A/HRC/14/37 472. Algeria congratulated Angola on its re-election to the Council, and welcomed the commitment of the Government to the promotion and protection of human rights, as demonstrated by the progress in the realization of economic, social and cultural rights. Algeria called on the international community to continue to support Angola in strengthening its achievements. 473. The Democratic People’s Republic of Korea noted that, in spite of the difficulties and challenges following the devastating war which had caused tremendous damage, Angola had successfully carried out plans for reconstruction and stability while attaching greater importance to the promotion and protection of human rights. It noted that a series of strategies and measures taken by Angola in many areas had been recognized by the Working Group, and appreciated the commitment and positive efforts made in the area of the promotion and protection of human rights. 474. Cuba noted that, during the review of Angola, light had been shed on efforts made by Angola to fight discrimination, protect the rights of women, children, disabled persons and the elderly, and ensure the rights to health, education and work while reducing poverty. Cuba referred to the considerable progress achieved by Angola in promoting the full enjoyment of human rights by all persons. The activities undertaken were evidence of the commitment by Angola to implement the recommendations and develop plans and programmes to increase the well-being of its people. Cuba referred to its strong links of friendship and solidarity with Angola, and congratulated it on its achievements. 475. The Sudan noted that Angola’s commitment to promote and protect human rights of its people was reflected by the adoption of many human rights instruments. The Sudan underlined the efforts made to combat crime and trafficking in persons, consolidate peace, improve health, improve living standards, eliminate poverty and provide drinking water. The Sudan called upon the international community to cooperate with Angola to help it to achieve the Millennium Development Goals and to reduce poverty. 476. Morocco noted the progress made by Angola in protecting and promoting human rights in the context of its human development strategy. Angola had accepted a significant number of recommendations, including those made by Morocco, on fighting poverty, on the reform of the legal and penitentiary systems and on human rights training. Morocco paid tribute to Angola for its courage and the efforts made to confront the political and economic factors that had a negative impact on human rights. It noted that Angola had accorded priority to economic, social and cultural rights, as demonstrated by its 2003 strategy to fight poverty. Morocco encouraged Angola to continue on this path, and called on the international community to provide support in this regard. 477. Mozambique noted that Angola had in the recent past, endured long years of war and, after the dawning of peace, had taken basic steps to ensure the creation of a political and social environment based on democratic values and principles that advanced and upheld respect for human rights. Angola had abolished the death penalty and eradicated arbitrary detentions. Mozambique also noted the introduction of a national strategy to prevent and reduce violence against children, and commended Angola for the relatively high percentage of women in political positions, one of the highest in Africa. It also praised Angola for its progress in the field of education, social housing and for its policy to commit the revenues from oil exploration to economic and social development. 478. Belgium noted the voluntary pledges that Angola had made in 2007, including one to accelerate the process of ratification of the Convention against Torture, which, unfortunately, had yet to be ratified. Belgium, which had welcomed the abolition by Angola of the death penalty in 1992, also expressed its hope that Angola would soon ratify the Second Optional Protocol to the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights. Belgium thanked Angola for the information provided on abuses committed by the security GE.12-17781 119