A/HRC/18/11 33. The Sudan acknowledged the achievements at the level of stability and security, which were prerequisites of economic growth and which had been achieved although it was a young city-State with a multiracial, multireligious and multilingual population. At the same time, Singapore lived up to the fundamental human rights enshrined in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and the Constitution. The Sudan enquired about further steps to improve the protection of special groups, including the disabled and elderly. It made recommendations. 34. Nepal praised the country’s maintenance of a harmonious multicultural society amidst diversity. It commended the constitutional and legislative framework which enhanced the protection of human rights. Nepal congratulated Singapore for its high rank in the Human Development Index and for its high life expectancy, low infant mortality, schemes for the aged, good governance and progress made in gender empowerment. Nepal made recommendations. 35. Djibouti commended Singapore for being an example of success in economic and social development, as demonstrated for its high literacy rate. Djibouti made recommendations. 36. Zimbabwe applauded Singapore for its political, socio-economic, technological and cultural prowess, which had ensured unity and the full enjoyment of human rights for its citizens, particularly women, children, migrant workers and the disabled. It noted that the country’s approach to treaty obligations was worth learning from. It made recommendations. 37. India noted that Singapore was a young city State with a multi-ethnic and multireligious society which had achieved a transformation into a sophisticated economy over a short period of time. India was encouraged to note the recent easing of regulations on political expression, including on political films and Internet election advertising. India urged the Government to continue to build upon those initiatives, including in the realm of regulations on media. India requested more information on how Singapore was preparing for an ageing population. India made recommendations. 38. Morocco noted that Singapore was a model for development and economic success. It noted that, since independence, Governments of Singapore had known how to adapt their policies with its multireligious and multicultural society. It noted Singaporean achievements in human development index, literacy rates and low levels of corruption. It made a recommendation. 39. Belarus noted the success achieved by Singapore, especially in protecting social, economic and cultural rights. Belarus noted its significant success in its fight against corruption, illiteracy, unemployment, and in ensuring adequate housing to its population. It also praised the Singaporean health system and referred to progress made in several fields, such as ageing, the rights of children, and in inter-ethnic and inter-confessional harmony. Belarus made recommendations. 40. Oman noted that Singapore was a small State with a high density of population. Although its citizens were coming from different ethnic and religious backgrounds, Singapore was able to achieve harmony, coexistence and cohesion as a result of its policies and the management of relations between religions and ethnicity. Singapore had made progress in the areas of economy and education. It developed its economic, social and cultural policies to achieve a high standard of living and human development. Oman made recommendations. 41. South Africa noted that the Singaporean report emphasized the universality and indivisibility of human rights and commended its progress in education, health, housing, employment and social security. It encouraged Singapore to maintain that focus. It asked 7