A/HRC/19/2 501. The decision had been made to withdraw Thailand’s reservation to article 16 of the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination against Women and its interpretative declarations on articles 6 and 9 of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights. Thailand was also considering withdrawing its interpretative declaration on article 18 of the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities. 502. As part of its pledges on a standing invitation to special procedures, Thailand was initially inviting three mandate holders to visit the country: the Special Rapporteur on the human right to safe drinking water and sanitation, the Special Rapporteur on torture and the Special Rapporteur on the sale of children, child prostitution and child pornography. 503. Regarding recommendations on vulnerable groups, the Senate had approved a draft nationality bill, which would provide a channel for additional groups with status problems to obtain Thai nationality. 504. In February 2012, the Government of Thailand had issued an announcement describing the work that foreign victims of human trafficking could take up in Thailand pending their return. It hoped that this would empower the victims, enhance their independence and better prepare them for eventual return. 505. Various countries had recommended that Thailand should pursue efforts in national reconciliation. Thailand was moving in that direction. The Cabinet had approved a compensation package for those affected by past political violence. Investigations and legal proceedings were ongoing to bring perpetrators to account and to provide justice for all. 506. A compensation package for those affected by violence in the southern border provinces had been approved and was awaiting the Cabinet’s approval. Thailand recognized that providing such remedies must be coupled with efforts to address the root causes of the problem. 507. Thailand admitted that challenges still existed in various areas, and that they needed to be tackled effectively. 2. Views expressed by Member and observer States of the Human Rights Council on the review outcome 508. Cuba noted positively that Thailand had accepted Cuba’s recommendations on implementing socioeconomic development plans, reducing poverty and prioritizing access to health care and education. Cuba acknowledged Thailand’s progress in reducing poverty and the realization of the first Millennium Development Goal. It also noted the progress made in increasing literacy and ensuring free medical coverage, as well as the priority attention paid to the treatment of persons with HIV/AIDS. Cuba expressed its confidence that Thailand would continue its progress in ensuring the socioeconomic rights of all. 509. Viet Nam commended Thailand for its efforts to implement the recommendations accepted and for examining and accepting additional recommendations after the review. It particularly appreciated Thailand’s acceptance of its recommendations, namely, to continue reconciliation among different sectors of society on the basis of principles of democracy, rule of law and tolerance; and to enhance the implementation of laws, policies and mechanisms related to human rights. Viet Nam encouraged Thailand to continue to do so in close cooperation with relevant United Nations mechanisms and all Member States. 510. China appreciated Thailand’s accession to the main international human rights treaties and its second national human rights plan of action for the period 2009–2013. China welcomed its efforts to promote economic and social development, and the attention given to health care and education, as well as the measures taken to protect the rights of children, women, the elderly and migrant workers, and to combat human trafficking. China noted that some challenges remained in the human rights area, but was confident that the joint 208 GE.13-14768