A/HRC/12/11* obstacles and successfully implemented the renovation policy. It recommended that Viet Nam (a) continue to maintain and strengthen its economic, political and social model to guarantee the full participation of the population in public and security affairs; (b) share its experience and best practice, especially in how to achieve the MDGs, with other countries; (c) continue to bring down poverty in urban and rural areas along with the maintenance of peace, stability and the protection of environment to boost up the country’s socio-economic development, industrialization and modernization to achieve the MDGs. 34. Cuba referred to the successes of Viet Nam based on a system freely chosen by the people, and the protection of the rights of ethnic minorities. Cuba acknowledged in particular the results achieved in protecting the rights of persons with disabilities, many of whom were direct victims of the unbridled aggression including napalm bombing and use of notorious chemical agents. Cuba recommended the Government to (a) continue with its efforts to promote and protect the rights of persons with disabilities and share its experiences in this regard; (b) continue to take measures to provide education and health care, especially in mountainous areas and to the population of ethnic minorities and with their involvement. 35. Canada applauded the positive impact that Viet Nam’s economic gains have had on human rights, and welcomed improvements in the areas of equality between men and women, education and religious freedom, including for ethnic minority groups. Canada recommended measures which would contribute to freedom of expression, in particular that Viet Nam (a) increase the independence of media from the State, including by allowing privately-run media; (b) bring its press laws into compliance with article 19 of ICCPR; (c) adopt a whistleblower law so that those who identify corruption are protected from prosecution or harassment; and (d) adopt access-to-information legislation. Canada noted that laws are sometimes applied to restrict the freedom of association. It recommended that Viet Nam (e) reduce the use of security laws that limit public discussion about multi-party democracy or criticism of the Government, including by bringing security and propaganda laws into compliance with ICCPR; (f) reduce the length of prison sentences for non-violent crimes; (g) register all individuals detained under security laws, and make this information publicly available; (h) provide people detained under security or propaganda laws with fundamental legal safeguards, including representation by legal counsel of their choice throughout the proceedings and a public trial; (i) issue a standing invitation to all special procedures of the Human Rights Council. 36. China noted that Viet Nam encourages balanced development of the economic sectors, gives priority consideration to education, health, infrastructures, human resources, poverty reduction and vulnerable and disadvantaged groups, and has dramatically improved living standards. China recommended that Viet Nam (a) take active measures to close the gap between rich and poor and between the mountainous and urban areas; (b) continue to help ethnic groups to increase awareness of their rights and responsibilities so that they can improve their living conditions and better enjoy their rights. 37. Myanmar noted the discussions about establishing an ASEAN human rights body and Viet Nam’s openness in acknowledging its existing human rights challenges. Myanmar recommended further intensifying its engagement with the international community, especially with developing countries to exchange and share its best practices relating to the efforts on strengthening the rule of law and socio-economic development. 38. Indonesia recommended that Viet Nam (a) continue to improve its legal system and give particular attention to its human rights laws and regulations in order to make them more mutually cohesive. It appreciated Viet Nam’s commitment to the process of establishing a regional human rights mechanism as mandated by the ASEAN Charter. Indonesia observed that Viet Nam is already party to several core human rights instruments, and recommended that it (b) ratify other core human rights conventions. 8 GE.09-16382