A/HRC/19/11 40. Syria expressed its satisfaction with many elements of the dialogue, but considered that some comments by countries such as the United States amounted to interference in the domestic affairs of Syria and were characterized by contradictions and double standards. 41. Comments relating to the alleged use of weapons against citizens were a result of the global media campaign against Syria, which gave a distorted picture of the situation. Security forces had been deployed to keep the peace, but many of them had been killed, including unarmed police officers. In the case of the city of Hama, security forces had stayed outside the city for 50 days so that a dialogue could be established. When they finally intervened they tried to avoid casualties, but they were attacked by armed groupings. Similarly, in the city of Homs, there had been supposedly peaceful demonstrations, but then some elements began to target police officers, murdering 12 of them. The Government usually did not even arm its security forces when they went to such demonstrations. There was also false information on the use of tanks, which had not been used against demonstrators, but had been deployed only for the rescue of police officers who were overwhelmed and had no means to defend themselves. They had never fired on demonstrators. 42. Regarding comments on alleged bans on certain Internet sites, Syria referred to clear Presidential instructions allowing full access to Internet sites, including social media, contrary to what had happened in other parts of the world. 43. Syria further explained that the judicial committee tasked with the investigation of the recent events was totally independent and transparent, composed of highly qualified judges known for their impartiality. A large number of cases were under investigation. 44. The delegation noted that, while many protests had been conducted in full legality, others had taken place without notification and disrupted public order. 45. Concerning efforts to fight trafficking in persons, Syria referred to the issue of Decree No. 3 in 2010, which set out a framework to combat trafficking. Two centres for victims had been opened, in Damascus and Aleppo. 46. As regards capital punishment, the delegation assured that the strictest controls were in place for its application, and that it could be considered as almost suspended. 47. Concerning a question on differences in wages between men and women, the delegation stated that no discrimination existed in this regard, and that the salary depended solely on the type of work performed. Regarding comments on youth unemployment, Syria noted that thousands of new jobs had been created and that further steps would be taken in that direction. 48. Commenting on questions concerning the realization of the Millennium Development Goals, the delegation stated that Syria had incorporated the Goals in its development plans. Since 2003, Syria had issued national reports on the implementation of those objectives. Among others, there had been significant improvements in the indicators for poverty and food security. Major efforts had also been made in the field of education. 49. On questions regarding child labour, Syria referred to a national law prohibiting the recruitment of children and adolescents. Syria worked in cooperation with the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) and the International Labour Organization, especially regarding the worst forms of child labour. 50. On freedom of associations, the delegation informed that associations could be formed through the submission of a request to Ministry for Social Affairs and Labour. Permissions were granted if an application met the legal requirements and if the relevant association would make a positive contribution to Syrian society. 51. China stated that maintaining peace and stability in Syria would be in the interest of the Syrian people and the international community. All parties must exercise maximum 8