A/HRC/8/48 Page 15 59. Saudi Arabia expressed its hope that Tonga and other Pacific Islands will be represented in the near future in Geneva. It also noted the efforts of Tonga to promote and protect the rights of the child in all sectors and to provide education and basic health care in a comprehensive manner and free of charge. 60. With respect to questions on the full integration of persons with disabilities into Tongan society, the Permanent Representative of the Kingdom of Tonga to the United Nations noted that Tonga recently signed the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities, and that the incorporation of this Convention into domestic law may provide the basis to advance efforts to integrate persons with disabilities. On integrating a gender perspective into the UPR process, she observed that women led 47 NGOs involved in the consultation process for the report. Regarding the issue of posting a permanent representative for the Pacific Small Island Developing States in Geneva, she thanked for the expressions of support, and stated that this was an issue that required the consideration of the Pacific leaders. On the faith of citizens in the police force, she indicated that New Zealand and Australian police provided support for restoration of law and order during the riots in 2006, and were continuing to provide support for the development of a comprehensive programme of professional police training and the restoration of police integrity; furthermore there is a regional police programme under the governance pillar of the Pacific Plan. On its outstanding report on the CRC, she informed that the draft report was in the final stage of consideration by authorities before its submission to the Committee. She also noted, on the question of “disparented” children, that in Tonga there were extended family and social networks able to provide necessary support for children whose parents are not at home. With regard to the Government’s policy on the right to food, health and education, she referred to the Eighth Strategic Development Plan and the three yearly reviews of specific objectives, strategies and programmes for a sector-wide analysis. 61. The head of the delegation concluded the review by thanking all States who had taken the opportunity to contribute to the dialogue with Tonga. He indicated that the delegation listened thoughtfully to each of the contributions made and will continue to engage cooperatively and constructively with the troika as part of this innovative process. Whilst Tonga may seem to be a distant Kingdom of 100,000 people in the Pacific and youthful in terms of its membership of the United Nations, since 1875 the Kingdom has charted a visionary and ambitious course. That sense of vision and determination to chart a decidedly Tongan path continues as it seeks to find its own solutions to the challenges of the 21st century. However, that path, like its commitment to engage with the UPR process, can only truly be achieved with a lasting meaning and significance if it receives the proper support. He reiterated Tonga’s commitment to sharing its UPR experience with other States, especially those from the region, that are to follow. 62. At the 17th meeting, on 19 May 2008, during the adoption of the report, His Excellency, Mr. Sonatane Tu’akinamolahi Taumoepeau Tupou, Minister for Foreign Affairs, in his concluding remarks, , inter alia, informed the Working Group that Tonga would consider inviting special procedures on a case-by-case basis in the future. II. CONCLUSIONS AND/OR RECOMMENDATIONS 63. The recommendations formulated during the interactive dialogue have been examined by Tonga and the recommendations listed below enjoy the support of Tonga: 1. To continue the democratization process on which it has embarked so courageously (Holy See); 2. To continue with determination and speed up the reform process it has begun (Switzerland);