A/HRC/16/2 2. Views expressed by Member and observer States of the Human Rights Council on the review outcome 471. Algeria was following closely the transition of Maldives towards democracy. Algeria welcomed its cooperation with human rights treaty bodies and its efforts to achieve the Millennium Development Goals and to improve social indicators, including in the area of public health. It also expressed appreciation for the efforts made to mitigate the consequences of its vulnerability to certain environmental factors. 472. Sri Lanka commended the withdrawal by Maldives of its reservation to article 7 of the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination against Women and the active review of the reservations under the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights and the Convention on the Rights of the Child. Sri Lanka congratulated Maldives on becoming a member of ILO. It noted the process of Maldives becoming a party to the International Convention on the Protection of the Rights of All Migrant Workers and Members of Their Families. It also noted the progress made in combating narcotics and trafficking in persons, but stressed that further action was needed. It welcomed the leading role of Maldives regarding the resolutions on human rights and climate change, which highlighted the human rights implications of anthropogenic climate change. 473. Saudi Arabia noted the commitment of Maldives to human rights, as demonstrated in its cooperation with all United Nations human rights mechanisms and its eagerness to continue this international cooperation and the frank human rights dialogue. It noted that Maldives was party to most international human rights instruments and commended it for receiving and facilitating a number of visits by special procedures mandate holders. Saudi Arabia appreciated the spirit of cooperation demonstrated by the delegation of Maldives, as well as the efforts made by the Government in the area of human rights, especially in legislative and institutional areas. 474. Cuba noted the efforts of Maldives to implement the recommendations made during the review. It welcomed the State’s approach to the recommendations made by Cuba, namely the implementation of strategies and plans related to social and economic developments, and the measures taken to guarantee the rights to education and to health. Cuba welcomed the steps taken in the area of health, improving the indicators relating to life expectancy, infant mortality and the eradication of malaria and polio. Cuba highlighted the achievements made in the area of education through guaranteeing free primary and secondary education, which had improved the situation of women, the elderly, children and persons with disabilities. Cuba stressed that the international community should provide Maldives with support in relation to the implementation of its policies and programmes. 475. Botswana was encouraged by the determination of Maldives to meet its obligations to promote and protect human rights, which was evident from its openness and constructive engagement, including the decision of the Government to accept many of the universal periodic review recommendations. It commended Maldives for its continued leadership in climate change issues, as demonstrated as a Member of the Human Rights Council and even before. 476. Morocco congratulated Maldives on its successful review and noted that it had been an occasion to take account of the progress made in the area of human rights, in spite of poverty and climate change-related challenges. Morocco welcomed the fact that Maldives had accepted its recommendations concerning the promotion of equality between men and women in all areas, and combating violence against women. Morocco encouraged the continuation of efforts to ensure the transition to democracy and the realization of economic, social and cultural rights. Morocco encouraged the international community to support Maldives in its development efforts. 170 GE.11-17059