A/HRC/27/8 32. Canada requested information on the dialogue with Nepal concerning Bhutanese refugees, future initiatives and cooperation with the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees. It applauded the peaceful transition of Bhutan to democracy and noted its achievement of certain Millennium Development Goals. Canada made recommendations. 33. Chad noted the considerable progress in implementing recommendations and improving the human rights situation. It welcomed the inclusive report preparation process, which had involved consultation with many stakeholders. Chad made recommendations. 34. China welcomed investment in education and health and efforts to promote gender equality and protect vulnerable groups. It acknowledged the challenges that Bhutan faced and called on the international community to provide support. China made recommendations. 35. Costa Rica noted measures to strengthen the judiciary and to promote a culture of human rights through awareness-raising events. It invited Bhutan to continue its work on human rights education. It made recommendations. 36. Cuba commended Bhutan for its investment in free education and health care and for the attention given to the needs of children with disabilities. It noted social protection initiatives to enhance the population���s quality of life. Cuba made a recommendation. 37. The Czech Republic commended Bhutan for the steps taken, including the adoption of legislation to combat corruption and domestic violence. It encouraged Bhutan to make progress in various areas. It made recommendations. 38. The Democratic People’s Republic of Korea expressed appreciation for the commitment, efforts and achievements of Bhutan in the field of human rights, including the implementation of previously accepted recommendations. It made recommendations. 39. Denmark commended Bhutan for its constructive engagement and the progress made. It noted that Bhutan had not taken steps towards ratifying the Convention against Torture and Other Cruel, Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment and drew attention to the initiative aimed at achieving universal ratification of that convention through the provision of assistance. Denmark made a recommendation. 40. Egypt noted the gradual consolidation of democracy, accompanied by progress in areas such as education and poverty reduction. It acknowledged the challenges concerning youth employment and food security and encouraged Bhutan to maintain its commitment to those areas. Egypt made recommendations. 41. Eritrea noted efforts towards inclusive education for children with disabilities, and progress towards achieving the Millennium Development Goals. It noted the decline in poverty but recognized that the latter still posed a major challenge. Eritrea made recommendations. 42. Ethiopia commended efforts to enhance the legislative framework in various areas. It welcomed the development and poverty reduction goals set by Bhutan and encouraged it to further strengthen efforts to tackle poverty. Ethiopia made recommendations. 43. France commended Bhutan for its efforts to consolidate the democratic process and improve the human rights situation, and encouraged it to continue those efforts. France made recommendations. 44. Gabon commended Bhutan for its commitment to human rights. It welcomed the improvement of the legislative framework, including the adoption of legislation to prevent violence and corruption. It noted that many challenges still needed to be addressed. Gabon made recommendations. 6