A/HRC/8/21 Page 16 61. Mexico noted that the Minister of Justice and Human Rights addressed the progress made in the area of gender equality and accordingly recommended that Tunisia withdraw its reservations to CEDAW. Mexico welcomed the announcement of increasing cooperation with human rights bodies, including special rapporteurs, and recommended consideration of cooperation with, for example, the Special Rapporteur on the question of torture and the Special Rapporteur on the promotion and protection of human rights while countering terrorism. It noted that the national report refers to recommendations made by civil society and asked if there is any reform to the Law on Associations contemplated. 62. Latvia was interested in the new measures taken by Tunisia. It noted the proactive approach taken by Tunisia and its decision to receive special rapporteurs of the Council and Africa. Latvia asked if Tunisia will issue a standing invitation to special procedures. 63. Belgium noted that the Human Rights Committee expressed concern regarding freedom of the press and noted observations by the stakeholders that article 51 of the Code relates to the crime of defamation and holds severe punishment. In this regard, Belgium enquired about the measures being taken to harmonize this law with ICCPR to ensure freedom of expression. Belgium also noted that the Human Rights Committee, special procedures and NGOs were concerned that human rights associations are encountering obstacles to obtaining official recognition, as well as about the intimidation of human rights defenders. Belgium asked whether Tunisia intended to receive the Special Representative of the Secretary-General on the situation of human rights defenders. 64. Germany welcomed the considerable efforts to improve the situation of human rights in Tunisia and encouraged it to continue on this path. Germany was grateful for Tunisia’s satisfactory answer to its question related to the treatment of suspects by security officials. 65. Djibouti hoped that the spirit of dialogue demonstrated by Tunisia will be complemented by increased objective human rights performance. Tunisia is a model country for progressive social and cultural rights. Djibouti would welcome initiatives to set up a body to follow up on the recommendations of the outcomes of the Working Group and to develop a central framework for combating poverty. 66. Sri Lanka acknowledged Tunisia’s achievements in the field of human rights and at the same time expressed understanding for the obstacles and challenges that developing countries face. Sri Lanka noted the success of Tunisia in reducing the rate of poverty from 22 per cent in 1975 to 3.8 per cent in 2007. Sri Lanka requested Tunisia to inform the Working Group on how it reduced poverty by such a large percentage as it could be a best practice for other countries. 67. Oman enquired about the objectives and challenges that are faced by Tunisia in its fight against terrorism and fanaticism. 68. Thailand welcomed Tunisia’s dialogue with civil society and efforts made by the Government to address the important challenges on terrorism and extremism that all States face individually and collectively. It requested Tunisia to share the steps it has taken regarding ongoing efforts to establish a culture of Human Rights and requested that it share its experiences, and in particular in the field of human rights education. 69. Indonesia stressed Tunisia’s partnership with NGOs and the freedom of press and judiciary and the promotion of economic, social and cultural rights and its work to eradicate poverty and improve education. Indonesia is confident that Tunisia will fulfil its responsibilities to promote and protect human rights in all dimensions. It asked about the role of the Constitutional Council pertaining to the promotion and protection of human rights.