A/HRC/18/12 31. The delegation stated that it had received detailed advance questions from various delegations and thanked them for their interest in the human rights situation in Suriname. The delegation indicated that Suriname remained firmly committed to the promotion and protection of all human rights and looked forward to a constructive and cooperative interaction and discussion with council members regarding its universal periodic review. B. Interactive dialogue and responses by the State under review 32. During the interactive dialogue, 30 delegations made statements. The delegation of Suriname was thanked for its presentation of the report and the consultations undertaken in its preparation, for responses to questions and for its engagement in the universal periodic review process. Recommendations made during the dialogue are found in chapter II of the present report. 33. Indonesia noted that widespread poverty remained a major problem in Suriname and a challenge to development and progress in the area of human rights. It observed that Suriname was on track to meet millennium development goal 2 on achieving universal primary education. It further noted that gender disparity was a major challenge in the country’s education system and that the Government was working towards creating a national human rights institution. Indonesia made recommendations. 34. Thailand welcomed the attention paid by Suriname to the rights of vulnerable groups. It noted the complex situation faced as a country of origin, transit and destination for human trafficking and irregular migration. It also noted progress in the field of HIV/AIDS prevention and treatment. Thailand stated that it attached particulars importance to the improvement of prison conditions for women prisoners and shared concerns regarding poor prison conditions. It made recommendations. 35. Malaysia congratulated Suriname on the broad-based approach in the preparatory process leading to its universal periodic review and noted that such inclusiveness would also be a part of the follow-up phase. While commending Suriname for its close cooperation and constructive engagement with bilateral, regional and multilateral partners, Malaysia referred to education, health and women’s and children’s rights as key areas in which Suriname faced challenges. Malaysia made recommendations. 36. India noted measures taken to protect women’s rights and expressed appreciation, in particular, for training and access to microcredit finance for women entrepreneurs in the agricultural sector. Regarding education, it expressed concern about the existence of geographical, gender and socio-economic disparities. India asked if measures taken in that regard had led to visible impact on the ground. India encouraged Suriname to ratify the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities and to consider establishing a national human rights institution in full compliance with the principles relating to the status of national institutions for the promotion and protection of human rights (Paris Principles). 37. Slovenia commended Suriname for the comprehensive preparations undertaken in the preparations for the review. It wished to obtain information on Suriname’s plans to improve accessibility and quality of education, particularly in the hinterland of the country, as well as on steps taken to eliminate violence against children. Slovenia made recommendations. 38. Algeria welcomed the intersectoral approach adopted by Suriname to promoting human rights, referring to the framework of the Multiannual Development Plan of 2006– 2011. It noted the numerous challenges Suriname faced and stated that women remained a minority in the highest positions in the public and the private sphere. It mentioned the need to give particular attention to the protection of child rights as well as that of vulnerable groups, especially those living in the countryside. Algeria made recommendations. 7