A/HRC/8/48 Page 10 groups were designed to ensure that there is a balance in the provision of infrastructure and to provide an enabling environment for the private sector to operate and for the population to benefit. With regard to the question on cultural rights and cultural identity, she stated that this issue was specifically addressed in the Eighth Strategic Development Plan. 35. The Holy See noted with satisfaction that Tonga’s traditional society is imbued by the values expressed in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and has a strong extended family structure. It commended Tonga on the political reforms put in place hitherto and encouraged Tonga to continue the democratization process on which it has embarked so courageously. It also commended Tonga on its educational system but was concerned at the “disparented” children and the so-called deportees and enquired about measures taken to reintegrate these children in the Tongan society. It also noted that domestic violence remains an issue and that the inheritance laws discriminate women, and asked about measures to redress this situation, as well as on the steps Tonga plans to take to sign any of the other core international human rights instruments. 36. Cuba commended Tonga on its comprehensive development strategy in which the right to take part in physical and sporting activities has its proper place. It noted Tonga’s achievements in the human development index, in advancing the legal and social status of women, the health system, free and universal education and the fight against poverty, combined with its institutional heritage and the political reforms of recent years. It asked what measures were taken by the national authorities to combat the growing unemployment among young people and prevent their drift into criminal activities, and to narrow the gap between high and low income groups. 37. Azerbaijan commended Tonga on the creation of the Anti-Corruption Commission. It noted that ICCPR, ICESCR and other human rights instruments are not ratified by Tonga. Noting the view of the Special Representative of the Secretary-General on the situation of human rights defenders, it sought information on how Tonga intends to broaden the relevant national legal framework in the light of the core human rights treaties. It also noted that although Tonga has ratified ICERD, it has not made a declaration in accordance with its article 14 recognizing the competence of the Committee to receive individual communications. It also noted that Tonga has repeatedly asserted to CERD that there is no racial discrimination in the country as defined in article 1 of the Convention, it sought information on the main obstacle to ratify the Convention for the purposes of preventive measures. 38. Switzerland welcomed the broad consultations for the drafting of the report, including with NGOs. Switzerland has followed closely the political reforms and welcomed the recent parliamentary election. It welcomed Tonga’s interest bringing its national legislation in line with international human rights standards. It also welcomed Tonga’s determination to ensure full trials related to the events resulting from the riots that took place in November 2006. It recommended that (a) Tonga continue with determination and speed the reform process they have begun. It also recommended that (b) Tonga ratify ICCPR and ICESCR, as well as CEDAW and CAT. If Tonga is unable to ratify because of technical difficulties related to reporting obligations to treaty bodies, Switzerland is ready to consider extending its support in terms of technical assistance to help on the drafting of such reports. It also sought further information on the programme implemented by the Ministry of Justice on education and human rights; on the right to land; and on the inheritance laws and their discriminatory provisions. It recommended that (c) Tonga consider repealing the discriminatory practice in the inheritance laws. 39. The Czech Republic enquired about the measures adopted to fight prejudice and stereotypes undermining the equality of women in the fields of inheritance, ownership to land and child support, and (a) recommended that Tonga amend legislation discriminating against women in the