A/HRC/11/22* protect and enhance cultural rights in order to ensure the enjoyment by all Cubans of these rights; and pursue positive efforts for the reconstruction of homes affected by hurricanes and continue benefiting from the material and financial assistance provided by the international community. 90. Yemen noted all the progress achieved in the area of human rights. It noted with admiration the progress made in the area of social protection and education, which has enabled Cuba to ensure that many countries benefit from many areas of support on health. Yemen indicated that many Cuban health workers work throughout the world in sometimes difficult circumstances. Yemen recommended that Cuba share its experience and good practices in the area of social protection and health when it comes to providing universal medical coverage free charge; and share its expertise in the area of upholding the right to health, particularly on HIV/AIDS programs and the special attention provided to those affected. 91. Viet Nam commended the efforts and achievements made by Cuba in promoting human rights despite the constraints and harsh external conditions imposed on it. Viet Nam recommended that Cuba enhance the information infrastructure for the Cuban society and share its experience in broadening access to information and communications technology, and continue the socialist path chosen by the Cuban people, which has led to better conditions for the promotion and protection of human rights for the Cuban people. Viet Nam recommended that Cuba continue with its contribution to the joint endeavours of the international community, including those aimed at strengthening the United Nations human rights machinery on the basis of non-politicization, non-selectivity, dialogue and cooperation. Viet Nam called on the international community to extend further support to the cause of national development and human rights being undertaken by the Cuban people. 92. Trinidad and Tobago welcomed Cuba’s social and political order to serve the broad interests and ambitions of the Cubans in building an egalitarian, compassionate, inclusive, people-centered and just society. Cuba’s record performance in the sphere of social, economic and cultural rights testifies to the remarkable successes the country has achieved, against persistent odds and in maintaining the highest respect for cultural dynamism and cultural plurality. The fact that Cuba is on track to meet the MDGs sets it apart from many developing countries. Trinidad and Tobago praised and commended Cuba’s performance. It welcomed the signature of ICCPR and ICESCR and recommended that Cuba continue the process of strengthening its national legislation to bring it into better conformity with its international obligations deriving from the various human rights instruments; and further strengthen its policy to foster the development and enjoyment of human rights by all Cubans, particularly in the realms of anti-discrimination. 93. Colombia, congratulating Cuba for the signing of ICCPR and ICESCR, as well as the announcement that it will ratify CED. This gesture clearly reflected the Government’s and the people’s commitment to continue making progress towards the full realization of the human rights for all Cubans. It added that guaranteeing access to adequate health services was not only a State obligation, but also an essential element to ensure persons can exercise their rights in an effective and appropriate manner. Colombia recognized Cuba’s achievements and best practices in this area and requested more information on the progress made with the programme to prevent mother to child transmission of HIV and the coverage of anti-retroviral treatment, as well as the reduction in maternal mortality, noting that these programmes have been recognized by UNAIDS and WHO. 94. Uzbekistan commended the steps taken by Cuba to promote human rights and freedoms, in particular in the areas of gender equality, protection of the rights of women and children. It welcomed Cuba’s achievements in the area of social protection and health care, the right to education, freedom of religion and belief, reforms in the prison system, as well as the ways in which they protect political, civil, social and cultural rights. It 16 GE.09-16273