A/HRC/22/12 56. Brazil commended the “de facto” moratorium on the death penalty during the past four years. It welcomed the ratification of seven of the core international human rights treaties, including ICCPR and CAT. It made recommendations. 57. Brunei Darussalam welcomed Pakistan’s efforts to protect the rights of women and empower them in the area of economic development through various legislative measures. It appreciated its leadership role as member of the Organization for Islamic Cooperation (OIC). It made recommendations. 58. Cambodia welcomed the ratification of many international treaties, encouraging Pakistan to incorporate them into legislation for their effective implementation. It also welcomed the adoption of the Protection of Women Act. It made recommendations. 59. Canada recalled its 2008 recommendations on amending legislation, including the Penal Code, for removing restrictions on freedom of religion which discriminate against persons belonging to minorities, and to permit the Ahmadis’ imprisonment for preaching their beliefs. Canada enquired about progress made on the subject. It made recommendations. 60. Chad noted that after its first UPR in 2008, political prisoners were released, civil liberties were restored and judicial prosecutions against lawyers and human rights defenders were dropped. It noted that certain traditional adverse practices remained, namely, acid attacks and sexual harassment. It made recommendations. 61. China noted the legislative and administrative measures to advance the rights of women and children, to strengthen education and public health systems and promote harmony of different religious groups. China made a recommendation. 62. The Democratic Republic of Congo mentioned the recent judicial and institutional reforms. It highlighted the ratification of seven core international human rights instruments and the invitation extended to three special-procedures mandate holders. 63. The Czech Republic welcomed accession by Pakistan to ICCPR and CAT and other international human rights treaties. It made recommendations. 64. Costa Rica highlighted the ratification of international human rights instruments and the creation and strengthening of the commissions for the promotion and protection of human rights, encouraging Pakistan to continue along this avenue. It made recommendations. 65. Cuba praised Pakistan’s numerous achievements in promoting human rights. It noted Pakistan’s leadership role as a representative of developing countries in the Human Rights Council and expressed the hope that it will be elected as a Council member. It made a recommendation. 66. The Democratic People’s Republic of Korea commended Pakistan for creating an enabling environment for the promotion of human rights, such as independent judiciary, free media and a vibrant civil society. It made recommendations. 67. Denmark acknowledged the Government’s commitment to freedom of religion but expressed concern about continued reports of violent persecutions, discrimination and forced conversion aimed at marginalized groups such as women, ethnic and religious minorities. It referred to the legal ambiguity whereby secular laws might be subject to sharia law. It made recommendations. 68. Djibouti was encouraged by efforts to establish a human rights infrastructure in line with international standards, including constitutional amendments to strengthen the National Election Commission to ensure independence and impartiality. Djibouti made recommendations. 9