A/HRC/18/11 Discrimination and the Optional Protocol on the sale of children, child prostitution and child pornography, among others. 66. Uzbekistan pointed out consistent efforts by Singapore to promote human rights. It welcomed the positive results in the protection of the rights of women, children, the elderly and the disabled, and the protection of the right to education, health and labour. It highlighted the intention of Singapore to step up its efforts in the area of human rights. 67. Egypt valued the emphasis placed by Singapore on ensuring the enforcement of laws pertaining to the promotion and protection of human rights and fundamental freedoms, while balancing all rights. Egypt took note of efforts aimed at the advancement of gender equality and empowerment of women, with emphasis on fighting domestic violence. It noted that it would appreciate further elaboration on the measures undertaken to protect child victims of exploitation. Egypt made recommendations. 68. Honduras noted Singaporean commitment to the protection of human rights and highlighted its education system, health system and the protection provided to victims of trafficking. It shared the concern of the Committee on the Elimination of Discrimination against Women that women and girls who are victims of trafficking should not be punished for migratory infractions. It also noted Singaporean efforts to improve the situation of foreign domestic workers. It asked about ratification of the International Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Racial Discrimination. 69. Ghana applauded Singapore for the improvement of the standard of living of its population. It noted with interest its economic and social progress and commended its commitment to the promotion of social and cultural rights. It praised the comprehensive education and health systems of Singapore. It noted positively the high employment rate in Singapore, as well as the initiatives to promote the advancement of women’s rights. Ghana made a recommendation. 70. Swaziland noted that the Singapore Constitution enshrined a range of fundamental liberties and imposed on the Government the responsibility to protect indigenous peoples. It noted Singapore insisted on rule of law to ensure stability, equality and social justice. It commended Singapore for its ratification of international human rights instruments, for its sophisticated economy, educational and health systems. It made recommendations. 71. Japan commended numerous achievements made towards guaranteeing the social rights of the people as attested to by the high rate of education and low unemployment. However, Japan was concerned about the situation of foreign workers, particularly foreign domestic workers. It emphasized the importance of ensuring a free flow of information to promote the diversity of ideas fundamental to democracy, noting that the media were heavily regulated. Japan inquired about efforts made to ensure freedom of the press. Japan made a recommendation. 72. France deplored that the death penalty still existed in Singapore, as well as the lack of transparency of executions and convictions. It noted positively that Singapore planned to accede to several human rights instruments. It was concerned about the absence of a provision guaranteeing gender equality in the Constitution. It welcomed that the provision of the Penal Code criminalizing homosexuality was no longer applied. France regretted that caning was still considered a punishment. France made recommendations. 73. Switzerland welcomed Singaporean efforts to maintain peaceful coexistence among its diverse communities. It expressed concern over the use of corporal punishment in the education system. It also expressed concern that Singaporeans’ right to express their opinions peacefully and to participate in public life was limited. It made recommendations. 74. Poland acknowledged the cooperation of Singapore with special procedures. It noted with concern that Singapore was still not a party to a number of core human rights treaties. 11