A/HRC/15/5 92. With regard to a request by ICRC to visit detention centres, it was noted that such a request should be submitted in written form through diplomatic channels for consideration. Over the previous 10 years, a number of foreign delegations and representatives of international organizations had been permitted to visit detention and re-education centres. 93. With regard to preparations to host the first meeting of States parties to the Convention on cluster munitions, Laos highlighted that it was the country most affected by cluster munitions, given that some 3 million tons of bombs had been dropped on Lao soil, killing and victimizing more than 50,000 people. More than a third of the country’s territory was still contaminated by such unexploded ordnance. Even more than 30 years after the war, some 300 people were still victimized by unexploded ordnance every year, which deprived the Lao people of fundamental human rights, including the right to life and development. 94. In order to address that challenge, the Government had adopted a national strategy and an action plan, incorporated into the national socio-economic development plan so that the issue could be addressed in a development context. At the international level, Laos was working closely with all countries to put an end to cluster munitions and promote the Convention. 95. In conclusion, Laos expressed its appreciation to all delegates for their active participation and their contributions to its review. While having accomplished significant achievements in the promotion and protection of human rights, Laos was aware of remaining shortcomings and challenges. Laos was keen to engage in discussions, exchanges and cooperation with the international community on the basis of equality, trust and mutual respect, in order to further strengthen its people’s enjoyment of human rights. In that context, the universal periodic review mechanism would facilitate the sharing of experience and promote understanding of human rights based on historical, cultural and social diversity. Finally, the Lao delegation thanked the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights, the troika and coordinator, and others who had contributed to the success of this engagement. II. Conclusions and/or recommendations 96. The recommendations listed below have been examined by Laos and enjoy its support: 96.1. Continue its recent efforts in the area of the ratification of important human rights conventions, and ratify the International Convention for the Protection of All Persons from Enforced Disappearance and accede to the Convention against Torture (France); 96.2. Sign and ratify the Convention against Torture (Italy, Spain); ratify the Convention against Torture (Denmark, Switzerland); ratify the Convention against Torture in a timely fashion (Japan); sign and ratify the Convention against Torture as soon as possible and implement its provisions (United Kingdom); become a party to the Convention against Torture (Canada); 96.3. Ratify the International Convention for the Protection of All Persons from Enforced Disappearance (Spain); 96.4. Review periodically its reservations to the ICCPR, as recommended by the Human Rights Committee in its general comment 24 (Brazil); 96.5. Harmonize national legislation with the international obligations under the respective conventions (Germany); 14