A/HRC/8/19 Page 12 of belief. Jordan requested more information on the way in which it has proceeded to guarantee monotheism and freedom of expression. While welcoming Bahrain’s achievements, it called on Bahrain to follow the example of other countries, for instance in the area of impunity. 56. The United States of America appreciated the delegation’s highly constructive approach, including concerning the role of civil society in the preparation of the reports. Bahrain’s openness and constructiveness towards the UPR process is vital and deeply appreciated. The United States hoped to hear more in the future on the integration of the Shia in society, the impact of the 2002 constitutional reforms on human rights, and the situation of expatriate workers. The United States welcomed Bahrain’s addressing these issues today and previously, and Bahrain’s continued efforts towards improving its human rights performance. 57. Lebanon was most struck by Bahrain’s education indicators, as illustrated in the national report and in the UNDP report. Education is compulsory and free to all in Bahrain. It requested information on what sorts of solutions have been found to guarantee this educational renaissance which has made this country an example to follow. 58. Yemen asserted the statement made by the representative of Palestine, welcomed Bahrain’s efforts to promote and protect human rights and requested information about efforts invested by Bahrain to improve education in the country. 59. In response, Bahrain indicated that reforms initiated by the King and reflected in the adoption of the National Charter and the constitutional amendments have enabled women to participate actively in political life, including the right of women to stand for election and to vote. A broad range of laws were enacted to combat corruption; efforts were taken to regulate work in the home. All political societies agreed to the establishment of the Supreme Council for human rights. Regarding commitments under international human rights instruments, in addition to those already mentioned, Bahrain began to consider, as to the human rights instruments, with the view to acceding to such relevant instruments. Bahrain has also begun studying the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities, as with the Convention on the Protection of Persons from Enforced Disappearance with the competent authority with the view to adopting relevant procedures. Bahrain highlighted that the judiciary is independent and that there is a separation of powers. The Islamic Sharia prohibits forced marriage. Bearing in mind the Constitution and relevant rules, there are two levels of legal reforms: (i) amended procedure of Sharia courts along with the establishment of Solidarity Fund for Women; (ii) the training of judges, lawyers and other jurists by the Ministry of Justice and Islamic Affairs through the Institute of the Judicial Training in cooperation with other bodies such as the Association of American Bar. Bahrain also indicated that health is guaranteed to all residents without discrimination. On the issue of unemployment, Bahrain insisted that it must invest in its people, and that all reforms are based on truly human development. Although the number of unemployed people in Bahrain is small (7,000 people), Bahrain does not want this number to grow. The Government has established the labour market reform authority and a labour fund, with financial resources invested in training to cut unemployment and to improve living conditions of people, to ensure greater salaries and compensation, for Bahrainis and non-Bahrainis working in the country. In preparation for this dialogue and in the four years to come, the two guiding concepts were commitments and results. The concepts that will guide Bahrain in four years are achievements and sustainability. II. CONCLUSIONS AND/OR RECOMMENDATIONS 60. The State under review considered the recommendations made during the interactive dialogue which are contained in section II B above, and agreed on the following: