A/HRC/16/2 the true situation of human rights and fundamental freedoms in the country and was a reflection of the efforts made to promote and protect them. The fact that Lebanon had further accepted the pending recommendations demonstrated its readiness to strengthen its engagement with the international community with the aim of strengthening human rights protection. 563. Armenia valued Lebanon’s readiness to enhance cooperation with special procedures by extending an open and standing invitation, thus enhancing dialogue on human rights in line with its rich pluralistic traditions. It commended the determination of Lebanon to safeguard freedom of expression, reflected by the acceptance of Armenia’s recommendations, and appreciated its commitment to protect cultural heritage and the intention to ratify the UNESCO Convention on the Protection and Promotion of the Diversity of Cultural Expressions. It noted Lebanon’s efforts to bring together Government agencies, communities and civil society and observed that follow-up to the review would consolidate the human rights agenda and serve the cause of unity and solidarity. 564. Iraq was pleased that Lebanon had accepted the recommendations that it had made, and appreciated the efforts made by the Government to prepare the report in spite of the difficulties faced by the country, which, however, had not affected the full enjoyment of human rights and fundamental freedoms in the country, which was a model of pluralism and cultural and religious diversity. Iraq commended the sincere will of Lebanon to move towards further promotion of human rights. The report had provided an opportunity to take note of the implementation of fundamental human rights in a democratic and pluralistic country, in which rights were respected in spite of difficult circumstances. Iraq called on Lebanon to draw up effective plans to implement the recommendations and its voluntary pledges. 565. Jordan noted the importance that Lebanon attached to the promotion and protection of human rights, including through institutional and legislative initiatives and by acceding to regional and international instruments. Lebanon had developed a legislative framework and national strategy to protect human rights, particularly to combat child labour and assist victims of trafficking. Jordan welcomed Lebanon’s efforts to protect freedom of expression and opinion and to develop a legislative framework for the media, and also to promote the right to education and the right to health, among others. It further noted the measures to promote women’s autonomy and emancipation at the social and political levels, including their participation in decision-making, and to put an end to honour crimes. 566. Mauritania appreciated the achievements made by Lebanon in the field of human rights and its efforts to promote and protect human rights. These achievements, as well as the fact that Lebanon had accepted the great majority of recommendations, were proof of a true political will in favour of the promotion and protection of human rights. 567. Yemen commended Lebanon’s cooperation with civil society and noted its important role as a symbol for freedom, as well as the role of Beirut as a regional and international centre hosting numerous human rights-related events. It took note of its efforts to promote and protect human rights in line with the principles of the Universal Declaration on Human Rights so as to ensure freedom and prosperity in line with laws and mechanisms ensuring the enjoyment of civil, political, social and other fundamental rights. Yemen commended Lebanon for the efforts made to further promote human rights and appreciated its acceptance of 83 recommendations, including those made by Yemen. 3. General comments made by other relevant stakeholders 568. The Cairo Institute for Human Rights Studies welcomed Lebanon’s intention to improve the working possibilities and conditions of Palestinian refugees. It remained concerned, however, at the absence of concrete measures. It urged that Palestinian refugees GE.11-17059 185