A/HRC/16/2 sufficiently addressed during the interactive dialogue in the Working Group (see also A/HRC/16/7/Add.1). 1. Views expressed by the State under review on the recommendations and/or conclusions, on its voluntary commitments and on the outcome 455. Maldives considered the universal periodic review process to be a unique and useful exercise from the outset of the preparation of its national report in consultation with nongovernmental organizations and the National Human Rights Commission. The delegation emphasized the particular usefulness of holding an enlightening and constructive dialogue with States Members of the United Nations. Maldives used this dialogue to assess the 126 recommendations received and returned to the Human Rights Council to offer its responses to the recommendations and to outline how it intended to implement them. The delegation saw this process as a different way to think and act in the sphere of human rights. 456. The approach of Maldives to the universal periodic review process had been premised on the same principles with which it approached all interaction with the Human Rights Council. It strove to be transparent and willing to listen. This approach was evident in the national report and the interactive dialogue. 457. The delegation gave detailed feedback on the 126 recommendations made since it had kept all recommendations pending. This decision stemmed from the seriousness with which Maldives approached the universal periodic review process and the desire to give full and proper consideration to all recommendations. 458. The delegation stated that, since that time, the Maldives universal periodic review standing committee, comprising Government departments, the Human Rights Commission and civil society, had met to review the recommendations. Important and sensitive recommendations had been the subject of a cabinet debate. This demonstrated the importance that the Government attached to the universal periodic review process and to the promotion and protection of human rights. 459. Maldives had submitted in writing its detailed response to all recommendations, in the interest of openness and transparency. 460. Maldives had been able to accept, fully or partially, 100 of the 126 recommendations. These recommendations covered a wide range of important issues and, when implemented, would make a significant positive contribution to human rights in Maldives. 461. The delegation highlighted the position of the State with regard to its international human rights commitments, infrastructure and legislation by accepting to ratify the two remaining conventions to which it was not yet party, namely the International Convention for the Protection of All Persons from Enforced Disappearance and the International Convention on the Protection of the Rights of All Migrant Workers and Members of Their Families. Maldives also agreed to look into replacing the reservation to article 21 of the Convention of the Rights of the Child with an explanatory declaration, and to significantly reduce the scope of their reservation to article 16 of the Convention of the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination against Women. 462. The nascent institutions of Maldives needed to be strengthened and to accept all recommendations regarding, for example, enhancing the independence, competence and professionalism of its national human rights commission. 463. On the legislative level, Maldives had accepted all the recommendations calling on the country to draft, table or adopt legislation designed to improve human rights protection, and pledged to implement the recommendations calling for the expeditious adoption of the new Penal Code, as well as specific laws dealing with equality and non-discrimination. It 168 GE.11-17059