A/HRC/14/37 pleased that Nicaragua had accepted its recommendation to continue implementing plans and programmes and following up on its obligations to human rights treaties. 259. Pakistan noted that Nicaragua had accepted most of the recommendations, which showed its commitment to human rights. It also noted with satisfaction the readiness of Nicaragua to consider imposing sanctions against organizations that promoted racial discrimination and taking appropriate measures to combat racial prejudice in both the public and private media channels. Pakistan appreciated the special attention accorded to the realization of economic, social and cultural rights and the commitment to strengthen policies and programmes further for the welfare of its people. 260. Malaysia noted Nicaragua’s acceptance of a large number of recommendations, and that Nicaragua had already started to implement some of them. Malaysia commended Nicaragua for its commitment to the promotion of human development with a view to eradicating poverty. It also praised Nicaragua’s firm commitment to achieve the Millennium Development Goals despite considerable constraints. 261. Sri Lanka appreciated Nicaragua’s detailed responses on the recommendations. Sri Lanka welcomed Nicaragua’s acceptance of 68 recommendations, and the detailed responses to the additional 42 recommendations, which was a clear sign of its constructive engagement with the Council. It encouraged Nicaragua to make all efforts to implement the accepted recommendations fully. Sri Lanka also noted that the key challenge facing Nicaragua was the fight against poverty, and was confident that the agreed recommendations would facilitate efforts further at the national level. 262. Uzbekistan welcomed Nicaragua’s national plan for human development for the period 2009–2011, taking into account a gender perspective, providing assistance to vulnerable groups as a priority, and conducting a massive awareness-raising campaign on human rights. Uzbekistan had also noted the efforts to improve the judiciary for 2009– 2011. Uzbekistan expressed satisfaction that Nicaragua had accepted Uzbekistan’s recommendation that it continue to implement national priorities and measures aimed at settling issues relating to the promotion and protection of human rights in accordance with its legislation and international obligations. 263. The Islamic Republic of Iran welcomed the constructive engagement of Nicaragua in the universal periodic review, and thanked it for accepting many recommendations, including those that it had made. This clearly demonstrated Nicaragua’s will and commitment to human rights at international and national levels, particularly in the field of social and economic rights. It commended the principled position of the Government of Nicaragua on the occupied Palestinian territories, particularly following the recent, brutal attack against the humanitarian aid convoy. 264. The Democratic People’s Republic of Korea appreciated the sincere and constructive approach adopted by Nicaragua towards the universal periodic review process. It noted its consistent policies and efforts aimed at the promotion and protection of human rights. Despite the difficulties and challenges, Nicaragua had made constant efforts and considerable achievements in the areas of economic, social and cultural rights, as well as in civil and political rights. It had also noted a series of measures taken to improve the living conditions of its people, particularly of vulnerable groups. 3. General comments made by other relevant stakeholders 265. The Procuraduria para la Defensa de los Derechos Humanos of Nicaragua welcomed the ratification of ILO Convention No. 169 and its extension to Afro-descendants. It recognized Nicaragua’s will and achievements in access to health, education, social housing and citizen security, in spite of the lack of resources. It suggested that Nicaragua should reconsider the legislative prohibition of therapeutic abortion; to this end, it urged the four GE.12-17781 87