A/HRC/15/5 constraints will be posted on the extranet of the universal periodic review when available.1 A number of delegations thanked the Lao People’s Democratic Republic for the presentation of its report. Several delegations also thanked Laos for answering their advance questions. Recommendations made during the dialogue are found in section II of the present report. 16. Myanmar was encouraged by the efforts of Laos to implement its human rights commitments, including through the incorporation of international human rights treaties into national legislation. Myanmar also welcomed the country’s cooperation with the Special Rapporteur on Freedom of Religion. It expressed its willingness to share its experience in poverty reduction, in particular in rural areas. 17. Brunei commended Laos for its achievements in promoting human rights, in particular in the area of poverty through its vision for development, as well as efforts to promote the right to work, education and health. It noted that it would continue to work closely with Laos through the newly established ASEAN Intergovernmental Commission on Human Rights. 18. The Russian Federation appreciated efforts made by Laos to ensure stability, harmony and peace and to raise living standards. It noted progress in acceding to international human rights treaties and a general interest in developing international cooperation in the area of human rights. However, it noted the many challenges that the country continued to face and encouraged efforts related to economic growth. 19. The Democratic People’s Republic of Korea highlighted the successful efforts of Laos to ensure political stability and peace. It took note of measures taken in many human rights areas, as well as the development of strategies to extricate the country from least developed country status. It considered that, as a party to most core human rights treaties, Laos had been faithfully fulfilling its treaty obligations. 20. Viet Nam applauded the adoption of various long-term strategies to better protect human rights and noted with interest that Laos had closely cooperated with human rights mechanisms. It welcomed the country’s recent invitation to the Special Rapporteur on Freedom of Religion and its intention to invite other special rapporteurs in the future. 21. Cambodia took note of the reform efforts of Laos in the areas of governance and public administration. It welcomed steps taken towards the ratification of the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities and the signing of the Convention for the Protection of All Persons from Enforced Disappearance. It also appreciated the commitment, pledged in the universal periodic review report, to ratify other important human rights instruments. 22. Norway welcomed the leadership demonstrated by Laos in ratifying the Convention against Cluster Munitions. It noted the high rate of maternal and infant mortality and expressed concern at the illiteracy rates for women, as well as disparities among ethnic groups and between urban and rural women. Norway expressed appreciation for the commitment of Laos to cooperate with United Nations human rights mechanisms. 23. Brazil welcomed the ratification of the ICCPR and the intention to consider signing the Convention against Torture. Brazil inquired about challenges faced in providing health services and education to women in rural areas and noted that the country had adopted legislation and policies on gender equality. 1 Ireland, the Republic of Korea, Australia, Azerbaijan, the United States of America, Latvia, Poland, Nicaragua, Bangladesh, Bhutan, Costa Rica, Iraq, Nigeria. 5