A/HRC/19/2 2. Views expressed by Member and observer States of the Human Rights Council on the review outcome 710. Cuba noted that the independence of Zimbabwe in 1980 was born from a lengthy struggle for democracy, justice, political freedom and self-determination. Since then, Zimbabwe had worked for the rights of its citizens. Zimbabwe’s efforts had been restricted by unfair sanctions, causing the problems that the country now faced. Cuba welcomed the acceptance of its recommendations that Zimbabwe should continue to combat attempted foreign interference in domestic matters and to exercise its sovereignty and selfdetermination; and that it continue positive action and programmes to guarantee quality health and education services, and reduce poverty. 711. Angola welcomed many reforms undertaken by Zimbabwe, particularly the creation of a national human rights commission, a charter of enforceable rights, and legislation to promote and protect human rights in the areas of education, work, health and the commitment to the national process to draft a new Constitution. Despite the illegal economic sanctions imposed on the country, Zimbabwe had launched several development strategies and policies, which had had an impact on the population. Angola made an appeal to the international community to lift unilateral sanctions and to support Zimbabwe in its efforts for reforms and economic recovery. 712. China noted with appreciation Zimbabwe’s investments in health and education. Zimbabwe had made significant progress in the prevention and treatment of HIV/AIDS, in increasing the rate of literacy, combating poverty, improving social security and eliminating discrimination against vulnerable groups. China fully understood the difficulties and challenges that Zimbabwe faced as a developing country in socioeconomic development and in the protection of human rights. China added that the sanctions imposed by certain countries had put a break on economic development, and called for them to be lifted. 713. Algeria stated that Zimbabwe and Algeria were linked through fraternity and solidarity on a historic basis, and noted Zimbabwe’s determination to emancipate itself. It noted Zimbabwe’s acceptance of a large number of recommendations, to which some others were added after they had initially been rejected. It noted with satisfaction the acceptance of recommendations made by Algeria with regard to continuing the process of national reconciliation, strengthening the representation of women in decision-making processes, and continued positive efforts to reduce the HIV/AIDS mortality rate. 714. The Democratic People’s Republic of Korea noted that, despite the economic challenges arising out of illegally imposed sanctions, Zimbabwe remained committed to promoting and protecting the fundamental rights and freedoms of its people, as enshrined in its Constitution and international conventions, and to participating actively in international human rights forums. It highly appreciated the positive steps taken by the Government to build a united, strong, democratic and prosperous nation with a high quality of life for all by 2020. Zimbabwe’s commitments and positive efforts to promote and protect human rights were appreciated. 715. The Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela noted Zimbabwe’s efforts in the area of social rights, particularly in the field of health, education and assistance to the elderly, where the Government was promoting the programme to assist the neediest elderly persons, providing monthly pensions, and exonerating them from payments for medical services in State institutions. It also noted Zimbabwe’s important efforts to promote and protect human rights, despite the major economic difficulties caused by illegal sanctions imposed by developed countries. 716. Morocco noted with satisfaction the measures taken for the protection and promotion of human rights, and encouraged Zimbabwe to continue along that path. Morocco was pleased that the six recommendations it made had been accepted, and wished 240 GE.13-14768