A/HRC/26/6 Special Rapporteur on freedom of religion or belief is scheduled to visit Viet Nam in August 2014. 17. At the regional level, Viet Nam has made a remarkable contribution to the establishment and operation of the Intergovernmental Commission on Human Rights of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), and its Commission on Protecting and Promoting the Rights of Women and Children. Notably, Viet Nam joined with other ASEAN countries in developing and adopting the ASEAN Human Rights Declaration in November 2011. 18. Viet Nam still faces many challenges, including the consequences of wars, natural disasters, pandemics and climate change, as well as the negative impacts of globalization. There is still a lack of uniformity in the legal system, together with overlapping legislation. The Government is aware of the difficulties and challenges and will continue to improve the legal system on the basis of the 2013 Constitution. National programmes have been implemented in specific areas to make the social security system more accessible to disadvantaged groups. At the international level, Viet Nam advocates continued efforts to enhance cooperation with all countries, United Nations mechanisms and specialized agencies and participates actively and responsively in the work of the Human Rights Council. B. Interactive dialogue and responses by the State under review 19. During the interactive dialogue, 106 delegations made statements. Recommendations made during the dialogue are to be found in section II of the present report. 20. Norway recognized progress made towards achieving the International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights (ICESCR) standards and a more vibrant and open civil society. It noted the importance of freedom of expression and the role of the media in socioeconomic development. 21. Oman welcomed improvement in educational, health-care and social welfare services, and programmes aimed at developing the labour market, reducing poverty and providing adequate housing. 22. Pakistan commended accession to several international human rights instruments, cooperation with the Human Rights Council special procedures, and political and economic reforms undertaken to meet international human rights obligations. 23. Thailand noted the new Constitution, which would create a stronger human rights foundation, and the adoption of a national action plan to build a safer living environment for children. It encouraged the establishment of a national human rights institution. 24. Poland commended the ongoing efforts to comply with international obligations. It remained concerned about the situation of human rights defenders, and religious and ethnic minorities. 25. Portugal welcomed the cooperation with special procedures, and the death penalty reforms. It noted efforts to improve socioeconomic conditions, which had resulted in a reduction in poverty and greater access to education and health care. 26. The Republic of Korea acknowledged efforts to strengthen human rights legislation and policies by accelerating amendments to the Constitution. It commended the signature of CRPD and CAT, and encouraged their ratification. 5