A/HRC/18/11 infant mortality rate. Saudi Arabia commended Singapore for its impressive welfare achievements as reflected in the United Nations Development Programme’s Human Development Report and the attainment of a 96 per cent literacy rate. It made recommendations. 25. Botswana recognized the Singaporean commitment to human rights and fundamental freedoms, adherence to democracy, good governance and rule of law, which had contributed to its sustained economic growth. It congratulated Singapore on its achievements in gender empowerment and successes in the field of education, committed to values of meritocracy. It commended Singapore for sustaining peaceful coexistence of its diverse communities. It made recommendations. 26. Indonesia praised the steady development and rapid growth of Singapore since its independence. Indonesia noted that the literacy rate stood at 96 per cent and that Singapore scored high in the Human Development Index. Indonesia mentioned that Singaporean development had lifted the standard of living of its people and ensured their enjoyment of fundamental human rights. Indonesia made recommendations. 27. Thailand appreciated the country’s promotion of good governance and human rights at all levels and commended its development of legal and institutional framework, particularly the amended Criminal Procedure Code. It welcomed the promotion of barrierfree accessibility for people with disabilities and noted Singaporean efforts in combating human trafficking. It made recommendations. 28. Malaysia acknowledged the socio-economic development of Singapore, and the promotion and protection of the rights in all fields especially in health, education, housing, and work, as well as the rights of women, children, elderly and persons with disabilities. Malaysia appreciated the importance Singapore attached to the maintenance of political stability, good governance and the economic well-being of its population. Malaysia made recommendations. 29. Viet Nam noted the five fundamental principles governing Singaporean policy on human rights. It welcomed Singaporean achievements, especially in the fields of education, health care and gender equality. It noted the country’s success in economic development and in improving the lives of its people and appreciated its approach to maintain racial and religious harmony. It made recommendations. 30. The Russian Federation positively assessed the continuous efforts of Singapore in the protection of human rights. It highlighted the achievements in the implementation of economic, social and cultural rights – particularly in education and health – in the fight against corruption, and the protection of vulnerable groups, including, women, children and persons with disabilities. It made a recommendation. 31. Qatar noted that Singapore had overcome all challenges in establishing a national identity and living in harmony, although it was a young and small country, with a multiracial, multicultural, multireligious and multilingual population. That had contributed to it succeeding in all economic, social and cultural aspects to become a model for developing countries. Qatar commended the educational system, which had been commended in the Human Development Report of 2009. Qatar made recommendations. 32. Pakistan welcomed the country’s commitment to human rights and its resolve to evolve laws and policies to meet changing political, economic and social aspirations of Singaporeans. It was encouraged that Singapore was considering accession to several international human rights treaties. It noted its economic growth and social stability. It inquired about the Singaporean model of education and noted the role of the National Steering Committee on Racial and Religious Harmony. It made a recommendation. 6