A/HRC/16/15 also remained concerned that corporal punishment, including amputation and flogging, was prescribed by law. The Czech Republic made recommendations. 72. The United States of America supported the Libyan Arab Jamahiriya’s increased engagement with the international community. It called on the country to comply with its human rights treaty obligations. It expressed concern about reports of the torture of prisoners and about the status of freedom of expression and association, including in its legislation, which often resulted in the arrest of people for political reasons. The United States made recommendations. 73. The Republic of Korea noted that the participation of women was one of the challenges identified in the Libyan Arab Jamahiriya’s national report, and encouraged the country to enhance the empowerment of women. It asked about measures taken in that regard. It encouraged the Libyan Arab Jamahiriya to continue strengthening its efforts to promote the human rights of persons with special needs, and to reinforce its cooperation with international human rights mechanisms. The Republic of Korea made a recommendation. 74. Israel noted that The Libyan Arab Jamahiriya should live up to the membership standards set forth in General Assembly resolution 60/251 and serve as a model in the protection of human rights; while, in reality, its membership in the Council served to cover the ongoing systemic suppression, in law and in practice, of fundamental rights and freedoms. Israel made recommendations. 75. Sri Lanka welcomed the voluntary pledges undertaken by the Government of the Libyan Arab Jamahiriya towards the promotion and protection of human rights, working through regional mechanisms by way of its membership in the League of Arab States and the African Union. Sri Lanka also recognized the challenges that needed to be overcome. 76. Japan welcomed the progress made by the Libyan Arab Jamahiriya with respect to education and health. It also noted positively the release of political prisoners and the improvement of prison conditions. Japan remained concerned about reports of arbitrary arrest and execution, as well as of cases of impunity. It regretted restrictions on freedom of expression and asked about measures taken to address the problem. Japan made a recommendation. 77. The United Arab Emirates admired the Libyan Arab Jamahiriya’s ratification of the majority of the human rights treaties. It noted with great satisfaction progress made towards the establishment of a compulsory and free-of-charge education system, which had contributed to the realization of social justice and sustainable human development. Education was extended to all groups, including persons with special needs. It made a recommendation. 78. The United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland welcomed visits by Amnesty and Human Rights Watch to the Libyan Arab Jamahiriya. It encouraged the country to consider further visits and to issue a standing invitation to the United Nations special procedures. It remained concerned about the enjoyment of the freedoms of expression and association, and asked for further details in that regard, including on the development of a new press law. The United Kingdom encouraged improvements in Libyan prison standards. It made recommendations. 79. Azerbaijan commended The Libyan Arab Jamahiriya for the progress made regarding economic and social rights, such as the achievements in poverty reduction, the assistance to low-income families, the eradication of diseases, the decline in maternal and child mortality, the eradication of illiteracy and the provision of universal education. Azerbaijan welcomed the advances in the field of gender equality. It stated that 12