A/HRC/21/16 82. Venezuela (Bolivarian Republic of) highlighted social assistance programmes which benefited more than 15 million people and contributed to the achievement of MDG 1. It noted the international role of South Africa in the implementation of the Durban Declaration and Programme of Action. It made recommendations. 83. Viet Nam acknowledged challenges which South Africa faced as a multi-ethnic and multicultural society and commended its remarkable achievements in education, health care, economic growth and job creation. It made recommendations. 84. Zimbabwe commended administrative, legislative and judicial measures to advance human rights in South Africa, as well as strides made in the socioeconomic, civil and political spheres. It noted remaining challenges in the spheres of education, health, employment and social cohesion. It made recommendations. 85. Algeria welcomed efforts to promote and protect human rights without discrimination, and to achieve development and social cohesion. It welcomed the Medium Term Strategic Framework 2009–2014 towards the achievement of the MDGs. Algeria asked for more information on measures to attain food security. It made a recommendation. 86. Angola commended the Medium Term Strategic Framework 2009–2014 as well as several draft bills on prevention of torture, social security, cyber criminality and human trafficking. It also welcomed the strengthening of the normative framework for the protection of human rights. It made a recommendation. 87. Argentina welcomed the creation of the Department for Women, Children and People with Disabilities. It welcomed the signature of the OP-CAT and encouraged South Africa to ratify it. Argentina made recommendations. 88. Australia deplored the continued high levels of sexual and gender-based violence. It raised concern over ongoing incidents of xenophobic violence. Australia was encouraged by the decision made by South Africa to host the Global African Diaspora Summit. It welcomed the country’s efforts to address HIV/AIDS. It made recommendations. 89. Austria commended South Africa for progress in the area of economic and social rights as well as in reaching the MDGs. It expressed concern about reports of persistent discrimination against women and high levels of sexual and gender-based violence. Austria made recommendations. 90. Bangladesh commended South Africa for programmes and policies, such as the national housing programme and the social grants programme, broadening access to basic education and the establishment of the National Planning Commission. It stressed that despite impressive progress made there remained challenges due to social divisions and economic inequality. 91. Belgium commended the positive role of South Africa in the promotion of human rights, notably in combating discrimination. It highlighted progressive legislation regarding LGBT persons but noted very serious incidents of violence, including sexual violence. It expressed concern over the fate of migrant workers and asylum seekers. It made recommendations. 92. Botswana noted with satisfaction progress made in development, social cohesion and national reconciliation as well as in addressing human rights issues. It praised the formulation and implementation of the Medium Term Strategic Framework and noted initiatives in the areas of gender, child protection and disabilities. 93. Brazil praised the Government for combating poverty and social inequalities as well as for establishing the new Department for Women, Children and People with Disabilities. It noted the comprehensive HIV and AIDS treatment plan. It commended the State’s 11