A/HRC/8/19 Page 7 24. The United Arab Emirates welcomed the constitutional reform undertaken, which had required an in-depth study of the situation of human rights, and requested further information about efforts to give a higher profile to women. 25. Saudi Arabia welcomed a number of achievements, such as political will to ensure the implementation of international commitments, the renaissance of economic, social and cultural rights and efforts undertaken in the area of health, education and the situation of women. It also noted guarantees in the area of the media and journalism to ensure openness, tolerance, constructive criticism and appropriate judicial and non-judicial guarantees. Saudi Arabia wanted to know more about the cooperation of the country with relevant organizations such as ILO. 26. Turkey welcomed Bahrain’s cooperation with the special procedures of the Human Rights Council and noted that there were no requests for follow-up visits. It suggested that Bahrain should be acknowledged for its draft national action plan and the relevant high-level steering committee. It also noted Bahrain’s campaign against human trafficking, and its participation in the preparation for the Durban Review Conference and welcomed Bahrain’s consideration of the Convention on Migrant Workers. Turkey encouraged Bahrain to maintain active cooperation with the Human Rights Council and stakeholders. 27. Malaysia noted Bahrain’s continuous commitment to enhance human rights, which began with the reform process in 2001. Malaysia was impressed by the action taken to meet the voluntary pledges, such as ratification of ICCPR and the International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights (ICESCR), and the withdrawal of the reservation to article 20 of CAT. It further noted with appreciation achievements in the area of health, education and human and social development. Malaysia wanted to hear about efforts in promoting cultural education and raising human rights awareness. 28. While noting progress in the area of human rights, Algeria indicated that the UPR exercise must be an objective one, taking account of historical or cultural specificities. Algeria noted progress with regard to rights of children and women following the adoption of respective laws and encouraged Bahrain to continue to make progress. 29. In response to a number of questions, Bahrain reiterated its commitment to the protection of human rights and expressed hope for an increased cooperation with the international community in the area of human rights. With regard to the establishment of institutions, Bahrain noted that the Cabinet had passed a decision on the establishment of a national human rights institution in 2007, which hopefully would be formed during 2008. Referring to the rights of workers, it noted that a draft action plan reflected some of the issues to be supported and strengthened, such as intensifying the inspection of the workers’ housing situation, and highlighted ongoing coordination with existing bodies in the area of workers’ rights. Bahrain also referred to the law on unemployment insurance, which applied to both Bahrainis and non-Bahrainis. With respect to the dialogue in the country, Bahrain reported that it was received favourably by the community, and stressed that the process of the preparation of the State report had provided an opportunity to interact with all stakeholders who had provided comments both through a website as well as the press. Bahrain indicated that the major problem is spreading awareness of human rights as a process. Furthermore, Bahrain informed about the Supreme Council of Women, which had been set up to ensure the rights of women, equality between men and women, as well as women’s participation in human development. Relevant activities were being implemented in cooperation with civil society. A focus on action, decision-making and economic, social and cultural rights would ensure a better standard of living for women, through the active participation of women in this process. Bahrain emphasized that Islamic Sharia ensures the dignity of women.