A/HRC/18/2 positive cooperation of Somalia with international and regional institutions to address the crisis of recent months. 311. Mauritania commended Somalia for the way it prepared for its universal periodic review, particularly since the country was enduring extremely difficult circumstances. It called on international organizations to intervene urgently and to assist millions of children, women and elderly people who were threatened daily with death or forced to leave the country because of the economic and social situation. 312. Qatar commended Somalia for its efforts to strengthen human rights protection by, inter alia, cooperating with United Nations human rights mechanisms. It highlighted the need for the international community to grant technical and financial assistance to Somalia to address the serious crisis in the country and to strengthen its capacity to implement the recommendations made during the session of the Working Group. Qatar also called on all parties in Somalia to take responsibility to end the conflict and ensure peace and security. 313. Morocco stated that Somalia needed assistance and aid to reconstruct the country and its institutions and to complete the process of reconciliation, stability and peace. Morocco appealed to countries, international organizations and the private sector to help the Somali people to protect the right to life, which was the basis of all other rights. 314. Bahrain commended Somalia for its efforts made in a number of areas, including access to health, education and water. While noting changes in the situation in the country, Bahrain stated that many challenges still remained and that constructive dialogue among all parties was necessary to address those challenges. It called on the Government to respect its commitments under international human rights law and humanitarian law. Bahrain also urged civil society organizations to make serious efforts in cooperation with the Government to help those in need. 315. Israel appreciated the submission of the national report for the eleventh session of the universal periodic review, especially in the light of the difficulties and challenges that Somalia was facing. OHCHR should ensure all efforts were made to provide assistance to Somalia. In this regard, Israel looked forward to the OHCHR high-level technical mission. Israel reiterated its willingness to assist in efforts to restore peace and prosperity in Somalia, and urged the international community to provide support for the Transitional Federal Government in the areas of technical assistance and capacity-building. 316. The United Arab Emirates noted the political will and determination demonstrated by the Government to strengthen human rights protection. It also appreciated the efforts of the Government to involve civil society in the implementation of the recommendations. The United Arab Emirates highlighted the need to provide Somalia with assistance to address its challenges, and implement its human rights obligations and fulfil the Millennium Development Goals. 317. Italy was heartened by the fact that Somalia had accepted, fully or partly, all 155 recommendations received. This conveyed a clear political signal about the resolve of the Somali authorities to uphold the cause of human rights. Italy encouraged the Transitional Federal Government to continue along this path. It remained actively involved in international efforts aimed at achieving reconciliation and stabilization in Somalia, as well as the social and economic development of its people. 3. General comments made by other relevant stakeholders 318. Rencontre africaine pour la défense des droits de l’homme underlined the fact that Somalia found itself in a terrible situation and faced several huge challenges. It suggested that very urgent humanitarian assistance should be provided to those people affected by the GE.12-17756 125