A/HRC/11/L.10 page 108 435. The Indian Council of South America, also on behalf of the International Human Rights Association of American Minorities, praised Cuba’s contribution to the issues of indigenous peoples and the right to food. While welcoming the ratification of the Convention for the Protection of All Persons from Enforced Disappearance and the invitation to the Special Rapporteur on torture, they called on Cuba to ratify the two international covenants on human rights and to invite other special procedures to visit the country. 436. Human Rights Watch and the International Federation for Human Rights regretted that Cuba had not explained the systematic violation of civil and political rights. They supported the recommendations that Cuba should adopt measures to guarantee the independence of the judiciary, condemned the repression of dissident activity and requested the immediate abrogation of laws used to restrict fundamental rights. They called for the liberation of political prisoners and an end to arbitrary detentions, and supported recommendations to establish guarantees for the protection of human rights defenders. 437. The Federation of Cuban Women noted advances in the situation of women, observing that gender equality was part of a democratic policy for social justice, which allowed women to participate in all social, political and economic arenas. It mentioned the guarantees for women in the areas of the right to work, land rights, sexual and reproductive rights, education and culture. It noted that this had been achieved despite the economic blockade. 4. Concluding remarks of the State under review 438. Cuba reaffirmed its commitment to continue to follow up on the results of the universal periodic review and the implementation of the recommendations it had accepted, with objectivity and rigour. 439. Cuba thanked all delegations that had recognized its efforts and achievements, and for their recommendations and constructive comments to continue to perfect its system, and thus improve the enjoyment of human rights for all. 440. Cuba thanked the majority of non-governmental organizations that participated in the debate. It regretted the dissonant voices of those that were mercenaries paid by the empire and voices of the defeated counter-revolution.