A/HRC/18/11 It welcomed efforts undertaken to protect the rights of children and expressed concerns about the lack of full implementation of the Convention on the Rights of the Child. Poland made recommendations. 75. The United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland welcomed the country’s agreement to the establishment of an ASEAN human rights mechanism. It also welcomed the decision in 2008 to allow at least one space for free assembly and expression in Singapore, at Speaker’s Corner. The Untied Kingdom considered that Singapore could be a leading nation in upholding democracy and human rights as well as leading in economic activities. It hoped for progress in the area of freedom of expression and regarding abolition of the death penalty. United Kingdom made recommendations. 76. Trinidad and Tobago referred to the importance attached by Singapore to the maintenance of social and political stability, as well as its commitment to protect human rights, as exemplified by its accession to various human rights instruments. Trinidad and Tobago commended welfare achievements, especially in education, health, gender equality and the rights of persons with disabilities. Trinidad and Tobago made recommendations. 77. Iraq appreciated efforts in continuing to improve the protection to all special groups in the country and welcomed successes in improving living standard, including through efforts in child protection and laws and programmes to support equality between men and women. This demonstrated the will of the Government to promote and protect human rights, always with respect for religious and ethnic diversity. Iraq encouraged Singapore to request technical assistance from the international community to further promote human rights on the ground. Iraq made a recommendation. 78. Jordan commended Singapore for its sincere and ongoing efforts to further promote and protect human rights and fundamental freedoms. Jordan noted efforts to strengthen the institutional framework, including through the establishment of bodies such as the national Family Council, the Central Youth Guidance Office and the Office of Public Guardian. Jordan was confident that Singapore was considering the feasibility of accession to several international instruments. Jordan made recommendations. 79. Afghanistan acknowledged positive developments for the protection of human rights in Singapore and made recommendations. 80. Lebanon commended the achievements in the area of human development and especially in the areas of education and health-care system. While acknowledging that some challenges still lay ahead, Lebanon asked about steps taken or envisaged to ensure basic rights for domestic workers, and about steps to ensure women could enjoy equal rights to men in the field of employment. 81. Singapore, in response to questions on preventive detention, affirmed that it was used only as a last resort in very exceptional circumstances, and with appropriate procedural safeguards. For example, the detainee had the right to know the case against him and to make representations against his detention, with the aid of legal counsel, to an independent committee. The judiciary could verify compliance with the procedural safeguards. On a question as to why judicial review under the Internal Security Act was limited to procedural questions, it was noted that matters of national security were not justiciable in many jurisdictions. All detainees were treated in a humane manner and could receive regular family visits and access rehabilitative programmes. Preventive detention laws were important to address security challenges against which standard law and order responses were often unsuitable, such as crimes with organized elements and terrorist activities. 82. On the issue of sexual orientation, Singapore affirmed that all individuals were free to pursue their lifestyles, and recognition and success were based on merit. Lesbian, gay, 12