A/HRC/8/21 Page 9 education, health and women’s rights. Mauritania praised the reforms that were undertaken to reform the family code and to ensure that women fully enjoy equality with men. In that regard, further information was requested on programmes aimed at empowering women and on measures taken to enhance the role of women and children. 25. Bangladesh noted that in the areas of good governance and rule of law, the independence of the judiciary and media freedom, Tunisia’s record and reputation is praiseworthy and stressed its tremendous progress in recent years in socio-economic developments. It was pleased to note that by 2015 Tunisia will achieve most of the Millennium Development Goals, that it has achieved enviable success in improving the status of women and made remarkable progress in maintaining a high standard for education at all level. 26. Angola noted the accession to most of the human rights instruments and the national jurisprudence, in particular to the transmittal of citizenship and succession rights. The efforts made by Tunisia in fighting against poverty were also praised, including the National Solidarity Fund which impacts inter alia, the health, education and housing system. With respect to the recent reform on the Press Code, information was requested on its impact on the freedom of expression and on the impact of education programmes in the dissemination of a culture of human rights. 27. Japan said that the image the delegation had of Tunisia was a country of civilization and noted that the Japanese Ambassador to Tunisia had reported that it was indeed the case: Tunisia is one of the most democratic societies, which shows a great respect for human rights, in the Arab world. Japan also noted the very high status of women. Japan put forward three questions. First, while acknowledging that combating terrorism was a very important task, it asked how Tunisia intended to pursue this objective while respecting human rights. Second, Japan asked how Tunisia intended to continue to develop the right of freedom of association. Third, Japan requested information on how Tunisia intended to develop its relations with the NGOs. Recognizing that H.E. Mr. Laibidi, the Ambassador of Tunisia to the United Nations Office at Geneva, is one of the most respectable and active ambassadors in Geneva, Japan expressed its expectation that he would play a very important role in this regard given his great experience. Japan finally conveyed its wish that Tunisia would continue its reforms. 28. The United Kingdom acknowledged the progress made at the national level especially laws reform in the area of economic, social and cultural rights as well as its political will to advance women rights. However, the United Kingdom was concerned about the restriction to freedom of expression and the requirement for registration by political parties and NGOs. It stressed that careful note was taken on the explanation given in Tunisia’s presentation but recommended that Tunisia give full consideration to reform these requirements. The United Kingdom also recommended that Tunisia set a date for the ratification of the Optional Protocol to CAT and strongly encourage the Government of Tunisia to work closely with international human rights bodies particularly regarding the follow-up of UPR recommendations. 29. Zambia welcomed the informative presentation and the national report. It also noted Tunisia’s human rights achievements and urged it to continue its efforts. The measures taken to ensure that media operate in an independent manner and that the freedom of expression and opinion is ensured were also highlighted. 30. The Syrian Arab Republic noted with interest the measures taken by Tunisia in the areas of health, education and the women’s rights. It requested more information on these sectors. It recommended that Tunisia pursue its achievements and its consolidated approach in the promotion and protection of all human rights including in the field of education, health and the promotion of the status of women.