A/HRC/11/22* cooperation and solidarity could best be emulated by learning from the Cuban people. South Africa recommended that Cuba share information with and assist the international community in tackling challenges in the area of the right to education. It strongly encouraged Cuba to look into the improvement of areas such as the review of the prison system, enhancing women’s economic opportunities and access to justice. 68. Malaysia noted that, despite serious constraints and challenges, Cuba continues to achieve a balance between civil and political rights and economic, social and cultural rights. It commended Cuba’s significant achievements in education, health and food. It recommended that Cuba consider sharing its experience and best practices with other developing countries in achieving the MDGs, particularly in areas of primary education, gender equality and reduction of child mortality; continue its implementation of measures designed to further promote and protect the rights of children and to intensify its efforts aimed at providing greater opportunity for higher education; and step up its implementation of best practices on gender equality and women’s empowerment at all levels and instances of decision-making mechanisms. Malaysia pointed out that in November 2008 it had, along with an overwhelming majority of the General Assembly, voted for the seventeenth consecutive year in favour of a resolution calling for an end to the unilateral economic sanctions imposed against Cuba. The lifting of those sanctions would contribute greatly towards the enjoyment of the full spectrum of human rights by the Cuban people. 69. The Islamic Republic of Iran commended Cuba’s commitment to promoting and protecting its citizens’ human rights. Iran welcomed the considerable progress made by Cuba in improving the implementation of human rights despite the tight blockade imposed by the United States of America. It requested information on how Cuba reduced the negative impact of United States economic sanctions on the full enjoyment of human rights of the Cuban population. Iran recommended that Cuba continue efforts aimed at achieving the fullest enjoyment of economic, social and cultural rights with a view to ensuring the fulfilment of the MDGs; pursue efforts at the international level aimed at strengthening the United Nations human rights machinery, particularly with a view to contributing towards making it function on the basis of non-politicization, respectful dialogue and good-faith cooperation; and share experiences and good practices regarding the treatment of inmates, particularly the plans aimed at turning prisons into education and human-improvement centres. 70. The Libyan Arab Jamahiriya noted that the Cuban Constitution enshrined all human rights, individual freedoms, freedom of opinion and expression, through a democratic framework based on people power as well as through the educational structure which allows all Cubans to benefit from educational facilities, as well as health services. It praised Cuba’s efforts in ensuring equality between men and women. Cuba has taken a number of initiatives which guarantee the right to employment, free choice of employment and ensure a dignified life, especially through its establishment of officials trained in security and safety matters in the work place, of antenatal and postnatal services and of the best maternity-leave programmes in the world. The Libyan Arab Jamahiriya also welcomed the progress made in the area of protecting children and combat exploitation of children through prostitution. 71. Qatar appreciated the developments and efforts made by Cuba in the field of the promotion and protection of economic, social and cultural rights, namely, the rights to education, work and health, in addition to the efforts aimed at the reform of the penitentiary system. Qatar recommended that Cuba consider adopting a general legal framework for the right to food, as a good practice and reference for developing countries; continue positive efforts to eliminate, in accordance with international obligations and commitments, all forms of discrimination, especially discrimination against vulnerable groups and all groups that have been historically most deprived, and share its experiences and best practices in the GE.09-16273 11