A/HRC/8/21 Page 13 45. The Libyan Arab Jamahiriya indicated that Tunisia has done a great deal to promote and protect human rights and freedom of expression, to ensure the independency of the judiciary and to promote human rights in the school curriculum. It noted that human rights are a fundamental part of the Tunisian State and noted with appreciation that the Family Code has been reformed. It stated that Tunisia has taken steps to implement recommendations and has adhered to 58 conventions related to labour law and human rights, and stressed that Tunisia paid particular attention to the right to health and to protect human rights. 46. The Democratic Republic of the Congo commended Tunisia’s report and praised the progress made in the protection and promotion of human rights including the consolidation of the Higher Commission on Human Rights and the Human Rights Coordinator. It noted that Tunisia intends to accede to the Optional Protocol to CEDAW, welcomed the fact that Tunisia applies treaty body recommendations and noted, as recognized by UNDP, that economic, social, and cultural rights are being promoted. It indicated that Tunisia is at the forefront of developments in this area and encouraged it to honour commitments by pursuing positive actions with regard to promoting and consolidating human rights. 47. The United States of America welcomed the Tunisian delegation and Tunisia's report, including the nine steps listed to promote human rights. The United States underscored the importance of civil society in the UPR process and appreciated Tunisia's statement of its engagement with civil society in preparing the national report. On the issue of NGOs and unions, the United States noted that there have been reports that the registration of some NGOs were refused by the Government and asked what the applicable registration requirements and controls were for NGOs operating in Tunisia. With regard to media freedom, the United States noted that there are concerns about the Government seizing domestic newspapers and asked what measure are taken to address the issue of freedom of expression. Regarding election laws, the United States noted that there are concerns that access to news media is limited and asked when a 2009 electionspecific law would be promulgated and how to encourage access to media. 48. Qatar expressed admiration for Tunisia’s commitment, noting that Tunisia has ratified most of the core human rights instruments and that it is endeavouring to implement these commitments. Qatar noted that Tunisia is seeking to reinforce bodies to promote and protect human rights, and in this context welcomed that Tunisia is reinforcing its national human rights committee and making efforts to ensure that the Paris Principles are adhered to. It also welcomed the large number of NGOs in the country. Qatar recommended that Tunisia continue to implement procedures it has noted and to improve its engagement of obligations at the national level. He also asked what kind of representation civil society has in the Supreme Council and if they have the right to vote. 49. Romania commended Tunisia on commitments assumed in the field of human rights, by acceding to the core international human rights instruments, and also, for its determination to continue its policy of promoting and protecting the human rights. It congratulated Tunisia for the efforts made and progress achieved under the Millennium Development Goals, in improving the economic performance and the social wellbeing of the Tunisian people, including by fighting discrimination against women and by setting up a system of education, training and access to labour market for all citizens. Romania referred to the national report, which outlines legislative measures taken pursuant to the latest review by CAT to bring national legislation in line with international standards. Bearing in mind the provisions of the Criminal Procedure Code, which does not expressly prohibit evidence obtained in “confessions” made under detention, Romania asked what measures the Government plans to strengthen in its Criminal Procedure Code, in order to ensure that such statements are not used in any legal proceedings. It also asked how the Government intends to follow up on and ensure implementation of the outcome of the review and if it plans to