A/HRC/19/11 restraint and avoid violence. An inclusive political process should be launched. The Government should implement reforms, and all parties should participate in the political process. Any assistance from the international community should be constructive. 52. Malaysia noted with concern the deteriorating human rights situation. It reiterated the call on all parties to exercise maximum restraint and spare no effort in starting dialogue and peaceful negotiations. It stated that wide-ranging economic sanctions imposed on countries could lead to deprivation of basic needs and services. It made recommendations. 53. Slovenia expressed concern over the current situation and regretted that violence and repression by the security forces against the civilian population, arbitrary detentions, arrests of human rights activists, and killings of human rights defenders still continued. It welcomed that Syria had adopted the Plan of Action (2005–2009) for the World Programme for Human Rights Education. Slovenia made recommendations. 54. Viet Nam took note of efforts in ensuring the enjoyment of all human rights, especially economic, social and cultural rights. It applauded Syria for its commitment to political reform to better protect and promote fundamental rights and freedoms. It expressed its concern over rising violence that had a serious impact on fundamental rights and freedoms, in particular those of women and children. Viet Nam made recommendations. 55. Germany found it unacceptable that the ongoing brutal human rights violations had not been raised in the Syrian national report. It noted that Syria had not undertaken any steps to rescind the decrees granting immunity for crimes committed on duty, with resulting impunity for acts of torture committed by members of the security services, intelligence agencies and police. Germany made a recommendation. 56. Zimbabwe was aware that the national report was prepared under very challenging circumstances. It commended the commitment of Syria to human rights and its international obligations in spite of the foreign interference. Zimbabwe was encouraged by efforts to promote dialogue and reconciliation. It noted that the imposition of economic sanctions violated fundamental human rights and called for an end to foreign interference. 57. Myanmar welcomed positive measures, particularly the introduction of the plan of action for human rights education for the school system. It noted the pledge by Syria to continue engaging with the Council. It also welcomed successful efforts to ensure food security and create advanced health care. Myanmar made a recommendation. 58. South Africa sought clarification on concrete measures to facilitate gender equality, given the concerns expressed by the Committee on the Elimination of Discrimination against Women on the stereotypical role of women, the revision of the Personal Status Act, and measures to address gender-based violence. It asked about changes envisaged in relation to the prison review process. It welcomed reform initiatives and expressed deep concern at the ongoing violence. South Africa made recommendations. 59. Belarus positively noted the accession by Syria to most core human rights treaties and the lifting of reservations. However, Syria had been faced with sanctions, which had a negative impact on the enjoyment of economic and social rights. Sanctions also aggravated the humanitarian situation in the country. Belarus made recommendations. 60. Switzerland noted that, despite the Human Rights Council’s two special sessions on Syria, human rights violations of extraordinary gravity had not ceased, and fundamental human rights were not respected. It was shocked by the violence used by the security services and by numerous reports of ill-treatment, torture and enforced disappearances. Switzerland made recommendations. 61. Thailand expressed its apprehension over the current socio-economic and political challenges, which should be resolved through an internally led political process, based on 9