A/HRC/8/23 Page 8 it hosts and noted that Malaysia continues to work closely with Indonesia to ensure the welfare of these workers, in the same way they do in the common effort to combat trafficking in persons. 28. Belarus noted substantive measures taken by Indonesia to ensure social and economic rights, national policy priorities including on the rights of the child, favourable family conditions, and broad access to quality education and combating poverty, and welcomed activities aimed at protecting these rights. Belarus noted legislation and measures taken to combat trafficking, which include the establishment of a national task force to address this issue and a programme on trafficking in children. Belarus requested more information on Indonesia’s experience and challenges in combating trafficking. 29. Uruguay noted the progress made by Indonesia in the promotion and protection of human rights, as well as the special attention paid to the situation of children, as reflected in the national report. It requested information on the status of the CRC and whether it was envisaged to adopt it as national law. It also requested information on the status of the process for the ratification of the Optional Protocols to the CRC. 30. Azerbaijan noted positive developments, such as the adoption of a National Action Plan on Human Rights and the establishment of committees for its implementation on the ground, as well as efforts to strengthen Komnas-HAM, in particular in the area of monitoring, investigating and reporting. It welcomed constitutional amendments aimed at strengthening the democratization process and efforts to improve the legislative human rights framework. It commended Indonesia on its firm intention to ensure the protection of children and women and referred to legal reform and specific programmes, including measures to combat child labour and violence against children. It noted Indonesia’s clear commitment to increase the impact of women in decision-making. It has also made progress in promoting civil and political rights, in particular following the ratification of the ICCPR, highlighting the first direct presidential elections successfully carried out in Indonesia. It also noted difficulties arising from Indonesia’s geographical location and also due to the complexity of its multi-ethnic, multi-cultural and multi-lingual population. It requested Indonesia to elaborate more on plans and strategies to combat trafficking, especially of women and children. 31. In response to questions, Indonesia noted its appreciation for the report and for the overall positive assessment and the recognition of its progress. It noted that while highlighting the achievements, delegations also specified challenges and problems that Indonesia is facing and therefore they value their inputs, as well as the lessons learnt that Indonesia can draw upon. 32. Many delegations had referred to the importance of protecting children and women, while acknowledging progress in this regard. Indonesia believed that in the fight against trafficking, a comprehensive approach is needed, strengthening legislation and enhancing and strengthening the monitoring ability of the community to be alert to this problem. Indonesia has established a task force to combat trafficking and is cooperating with countries of the region and other countries in this regard, and noted that the new law on trafficking is having an effect. They have also mandated the regions to establish centres to provide assistance to victims, and under the auspices of the Ministry for Foreign Affairs, has established shelters in various countries. 33. On the independence of the national institution, the delegation noted that it is an important partner for the Government, which benefits from its expertise on many issues. Its full independence is granted by the law No. 39/1999. It noted that other institutions in Indonesia have the same structure as the national institution, which does not diminish their independence. Thus, it reiterates its respect for the independence of the national institution.