A/HRC/8/48 Page 13 need and importance of providing technical assistance to support the constructive engagement of Pacific Island countries in the UPR process. 49. The Philippines commended Tonga on its gains in the promotion of human rights, especially of economic, social and cultural rights, such as education and health, despite the challenges it faces as a small Pacific Island State. It appreciated the high social standing of women in Tonga but encouraged it to further review the inheritance laws. It enquired about the situation of “disparented” children and recommended that Tonga share its experiences of the UPR with other Pacific Island States. 50. The Republic of Korea noted Tonga’s level of democratic development and the constitutional and political reforms voted to be implemented in 2010. It recommended that Tonga develop practical steps to enhance freedom of speech and freedom of the press. It also recommended that Tonga take all possible anti-corruption measures. 51. Israel, while commending the Tongan Government on its awareness of gender equality and recognizing that there is a ministerial portfolio to that effect, remains concerned about the discriminatory nature of inheritance laws as applied to women, especially regarding land ownership. While acknowledging that the Government has proposed amendments to the current land laws, it noted that further efforts should be made in redrafting the laws to enshrine complete equality of men and women. It recommended that Tonga consider signing and ratifying CEDAW and consider especially article 15 and 16 thereof which relate to the equal right of women to administer property and the equal rights of both spouses in respect of the ownership, acquisition, management, enjoyment and disposition of property. It noted with appreciation the information given that Tonga is currently considering acceding to CEDAW and other human rights instruments. 52. Egypt noted that Tonga’s achievements in human development were most impressive and recent elections were a testimony of its commitment to democratic reform. It noted that the realization of economic, social and cultural rights occupied an important place in Tonga, citing policies of free health care for life and free education up to the age of 14. It hoped this dedication would be reflected in its ratification of ICCPR and other human rights treaties. It recognized the financial, technical and capacity-building constraints in reporting to treaty bodies and recommended that Tonga officially seek to renew its request for assistance to the OHCHR in this respect and also through the UPR Trust Fund established specifically to assist in the implementation of recommendations emanating from the UPR. It asked whether Tonga believed there were significant barriers to reconciling universally agreed human rights norms with its cultural and civilizational wealth and particularities. It also stressed that no country is requested to observe highly controversial and divisive concepts falling outside the universally agreed human rights norms, as this would contradict the basis of the UPR. 53. The Syrian Arab Republic highlighted Tonga’s serious attitude towards human rights, citing a UNDP report from 2006 on the importance given to primary education for children aged 6 to 14 and the fact that 14 per cent of the budget is devoted to education. It also cited free health care in hospitals and dispensaries across the country and welcomed the overall level of development in the country, as evidenced by the increase in life expectancy for women and men, and a the reduction in child mortality rates. It sought more information on plans and programmes aimed at implementing the right to food and to health care and to equality between the sexes in the coming years. 54. Japan welcomed Tonga’s democratization process and commented on Tonga’s achievements in protecting economic, social and cultural rights in the field of health and education. It also noted that a joint urgent appeal had been sent by three special procedures on 8 December 2006, which included establishing a multi-agency taskforce to conduct an immediate review of