A/HRC/8/23 Page 11 Mexico share many challenges, the delegation also suggested to the Vice-Minister to consider the possibility of holding a bilateral dialogue to share experiences and learn from their efforts in the area of human rights. 46. Canada noted some of the positive steps taken, including Indonesia’s commitment to ratify this year key human rights instruments such as the Rome Statute for the International Criminal Court. Canada also noted that as is the case of all countries, additional efforts are needed to improve the human rights situation in Indonesia, especially in regions where recent or ongoing political tensions are manifest, such as Papua. It requested information on how Indonesia will ensure that labelling of individuals as separatists in these areas is not used to suppress legitimate democratic activity by civil society, including peaceful public protests and criticism. Canada referred to the need to raise awareness of the role of human rights defenders and of the responsibility of the security forces to protect them. In this regard, it recommended that Indonesia provide additional human rights training to security forces and encouraged it to take concrete steps to improve respect for the rule of law and to punish those responsible for abuses and violations. Canada also recommended that additional specific measures be taken to ensure that the rights of those belonging to minority groups are protected, including from abuses committed by non-State actors. It also enquired about the measures Indonesia plans to take to ensure that perpetrators of such abuses are brought to justice and on avenues of redress available to victims. While noting that Canada has provided concrete support to Indonesia’s efforts to reform governance through decentralization, it asked what measures Indonesia plans to take to ensure that local authorities do not contravene national and international human rights law. Canada also noted that, as a troika member, they would like to underline the very constructive dialogue it had had with Indonesia in the context of the review. 47. The Syrian Arab Republic congratulated Indonesia on the comprehensive presentation of its report, and commended it on efforts to set up the action plan. It asked what measures Indonesia has undertaken or intends to undertake to ensure the protection of children, particularly regarding provisions on birth certificates. 48. Bhutan referred to the establishment of an extensive institutional framework and national priorities, including towards the eradication of poverty. It requested information on steps taken by Indonesia to ensure the promotion and protection of economic, social and cultural rights and on Indonesia’s policy regarding the right to basic education. 49. In response to questions asked, Indonesia noted that a number of delegations made many valuable suggestions with regard to the protection of women, the protection of children, which they appreciate and will consider seriously as they continue to make progress in these areas. The suggestion for a bilateral dialogue is appreciated and welcomed. On the situation in Papua, it considers this question as one of support to Indonesia’ efforts to improve the welfare of Papuans and the people of Indonesia. A member of the delegation, who is a representative of the local government of Papua and a Papuan himself, noted that the development process in Papua is centred around the Papuans themselves. Economic and health assistance were provided and efforts are made to combat poverty and promote employment, and achievements are made with the participation of the people. He noted that in addressing the human rights violence in Papua, many capacity-building and other programmes have been implemented throughout the region, including training for the communities to understand their rights. 50. The United Kingdom welcomed the substantial progress Indonesia continues to make on human rights, noting that since 1998, the overall human rights situation has improved significantly. The United Kingdom noted the increasing openness to international scrutiny, as evidenced by the visits to the country of the Special Representative of the Secretary-General on the situation of