A/HRC/14/10 47. China noted positively the fact that over the previous decade, the gross domestic product of Kazakhstan had increased sevenfold and the average income of the population had increased fourfold. Additionally, it noted the enactment of a plan of action aimed at improving the status of women. It asked what further measures would be taken to improve primary education for children in rural areas. 48. Jordan expressed appreciation for Kazakhstan’s efforts to improve its human rights situation, including through continued cooperation with human rights mechanisms, as shown by the extension of a standing invitation to special procedures, its support for OHCHR and its accession to a large number of international human rights instruments, as well as the development of a comprehensive legislative and institutional framework. Jordan highlighted the fact that Kazakhstan had imposed a moratorium on the death penalty. Jordan made recommendations. 49. Norway praised Kazakhstan’s cooperation with the United Nations human rights system and the adoption of a National Human Rights Action Plan and of legislation in the area of gender. Norway expressed concern about the situation of human rights defenders, journalists and lawyers, as well as about restrictions on media. Norway made recommendations. 50. Serbia welcomed priorities identified by Kazakhstan, primarily in the Human Dimension of the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe, including the fight against trafficking. Serbia also welcomed the ratification of OPCAT and asked Kazakhstan to share its experiences in developing an effective national preventive mechanism. 51. Laos noted significant progress made with regard to social cohesion, political stability and economic development for all ethnic groups, as well as steps to strengthen the rule of law. Laos made recommendations. 52. Tajikistan noted that Kazakhstan had strengthened human rights protection and democratic principles and was making further efforts to consolidate democracy and the rule of law, as affirmed by the designation of Kazakhstan as Chair of the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe for 2010. Tajikistan highlighted measures implemented to combat human trafficking and to improve legislation concerning migration and the rights of migrants. Tajikistan made a recommendation. 53. Azerbaijan noted progress made in promoting and protecting human rights, including the ratification of international human rights instruments, the extension of a standing invitation to the special procedures and the adoption of the National Human Rights Action Plan. It highlighted Kazakhstan’s success in achieving Millennium Development Goals in the area of poverty reduction. It asked about measures taken to integrate the large number of ethnic Kazakhs who had returned to Kazakhstan from various countries. Azerbaijan made recommendations. 54. Pakistan noted Kazakhstan’s commitment to human rights, exemplified by its adherence to seven United Nations human rights treaties. It congratulated Kazakhstan on having achieved the Millennium Development Goals regarding poverty reduction. Pakistan noted Kazakhstan’s ethnic diversity, its impressive education statistics and the provision of free qualified assistance to vulnerable groups. Pakistan made recommendations. 55. The Islamic Republic of Iran noted with interest the National Human Rights Action Plan and the national outline of legal policy aimed at the guarantee of constitutional human and citizen rights. It also noted the national Commission on Women’s Affairs and Family and Population Policy, which promoted women’s rights, as well as achievements in terms of employment, education, health care and social services. Iran made recommendations. 56. Canada welcomed recent legislation regarding elections, media and domestic violence, and congratulated Kazakhstan on its 2010 chairmanship of the Organization for 9