A/HRC/15/60 execution had taken place for many years and rights of appeal were ensured. The State also indicated that it would consider revising the Penal Code for it to be in line with the obligations under the Covenant and other treaties to which it was a party. 324. Religious freedom was guaranteed by the Constitution and a specific decree; all necessary measures had been taken to solve the misunderstanding of religious freedom in Katen village. The Lao People’s Democratic Republic pursued a consistent policy to guarantee freedom of speech, the press, expression and assembly, rights which were enshrined in the national legislation. 325. With regard to the situation of Hmong returnees, the Lao People’s Democratic Republic acknowledged the important role of the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) in providing humanitarian assistance, but noted that the returnees were not persons of concern under international law and that the Government would handle the issue. 326. The Lao People’s Democratic Republic concluded by expressing its appreciation to the international community for its valuable support for the development of the country, and its hope that the international community would continue to do so, including with regard to the implementation of universal periodic review recommendations. 2. Views expressed by Member and observer States of the Council on the review outcome 327. Viet Nam took note with appreciation of the openness, active cooperation and serious commitment displayed by the Lao People’s Democratic Republic in the universal periodic review process. Viet Nam recalled that the State had widely disseminated the outcome of its review, and was encouraged by its acceptance of the majority of recommendations, including those made by Viet Nam. Viet Nam noted that the State’s readiness to take concrete steps and measures to follow up on the recommendations was admirable, given the difficulties and hardship encountered by the country. It welcomed the master plan on the rule of law and the seventh national socio-economic development plan, among others. 328. Bhutan expressed its appreciation for the constructive manner in which the Lao People’s Democratic Republic had engaged in the universal periodic review mechanism, and was encouraged by its acceptance of most recommendations. Bhutan welcomed the realistic approach to implementing the recommendations in a progressive manner. It made reference to the acceptance of the recommendation to expedite the reform of governance, public administration and the legal system with the aim of deepening and broadening democratic principles and standards. Bhutan called on the international community to continue to extend support and assistance to the Lao People’s Democratic Republic in the implementation of the recommendations. 329. Malaysia was pleased to note that the State had accepted a large number of recommendations and started taking necessary steps to implement many of them, including those focusing on promoting employment, economic growth and poverty alleviation. Malaysia shared the view that poverty alleviation and human resource development were important for the protection and fulfilment of fundamental human rights. It also noted the Government’s preparedness to continue and strengthen its constructive engagement with international human rights mechanisms. 330. Cambodia commended the Lao People’s Democratic Republic for its achievements in advancing the socio-economic development of its people. It was pleased to note that the State had accepted a large number of recommendations, including recommendations to consider accession to some important international instruments. Cambodia viewed this approach as a step towards further progress. It welcomed the continued commitment of the GE.11-17043 131