A/HRC/11/22* government officials at all levels, including lawyers, police, judges, and other law enforcement officials. 108. Côte d’Ivoire welcomed the progress made by Cuba despite a very difficult environment. Cuba has already achieved the goals of the world food summit of 1996 and the first MDG to reduce by half the number of people suffering from hunger by 2015. Cuba has also achieved other MDGs, ensuring primary education for all (goal 2), promoting gender equality and empowering woman (goal 3) and reducing child mortality (goal 4). It noted that this great country intents in addition, to achieve fully goals 1, 5 and 6 by 2015. According to UNICEF, Cuba is clearly on track to achieve most of the millennium development goals by 2015. This is to its credit and to the credit of developing countries. Côte d’Ivoire made a solemn and urgent appeal to the entire international community to have all possible good wishes being brought to bear and that good offices be offered to ensure that this painful economic embargo which has victimized Cuba and its heroic people be lifted. 109. The Czech Republic appreciated the signing of ICCPR and ICESCR, and welcomed Cuba’s support to the joint statement on human rights, sexual orientation and gender identity delivered in December 2008 at the GA. Noting some pending requests for visits by special procedures, the Czech Republic asked whether and in what time frame would these mandate holders be able to visit the country and (a) recommended that Cuba issue and implement a standing invitation to all special procedures. Asking about legal safeguards to ensure protection of human rights defenders against abuse of provisions for criminal prosecution, it (b) recommended that Cuba implement such safeguards and release all prisoners of conscience. Underlining that criticism of governmental policies should be acceptable in mass media and that free public discussion and peaceful assembly be allowed, it (c) recommended that Cuba revise its legal framework in this area with a view to brining it in compliance with relevant provisions of ICCPR. Asking how civil society was able to participate in the preparation of the national report to the UPR, it (d) recommended that Cuba widely publish outcome of this UPR and make regular and inclusive consultations with civil society an integral part of the follow-up to the UPR. 110. The Netherlands welcomed the announcement that Cuba will ratify ICCPR and ICESCR. It noted the seemingly contradiction of some national legislation to these treaties. It recommended (a) that the Government ratify both treaties as soon as possible without restrictions and take measures to adapt its national legislation. The Netherlands noted limitations on the exercise of the right to assembly, association, movement or expression, and restrictions on freedom of expression due to government control on all media. It recommended that Cuba (b) reform and adapt its laws, regulations and practices relating to these basic freedoms in accordance with international standards; and (c) guarantee that independent journalists, human rights defenders and political dissidents have the possibility to exercise these basic freedoms without the risk of harassment, intimidation or persecution. Noting that, despite a decrease in the number of political prisoners, the detention of political prisoners and the conditions in prisons remain a problem, it (d) recommended that Cuba take all measures to avoid incidents of violations of the Standard Minimum Rules for the Treatment of Prisoners. 111. Ukraine noted the progress made in the realization of economic, social and cultural rights, particularly, the right to health and the right to education. It noted with satisfaction that every Cuban has guaranteed access to quality health services free of charge, and the total availability and high quality of education. It noted numerous Cuban programs on international cooperation and solidarity on rendering medical aid to the countries that suffered from natural disasters. It extended the utmost appreciation of the Ukrainian people and the Government for treatment and care of several generations of Ukrainian children affected by the Chernobyl catastrophe. It also indicated that the right to education is also 20 GE.09-16273