A/HRC/17/2 Rights Council and the review mechanism. Qatar commended Oman for its continued efforts to consolidate and protect human rights and fundamental freedoms and for the progress made in realizing economic, social and cultural rights, particularly in the fields of health and education, and in the rights of women and children, in addition to the ongoing efforts to advance civil and political rights. 371. Saudi Arabia noted that Oman had accepted most recommendations, including those made by Saudi Arabia. It expressed appreciation for Oman’s constructive engagement with the human rights mechanisms of the Human Rights Council, and its openness to international cooperation and dialogue in the area of human rights. Oman had also demonstrated its commitment to promoting human rights through concrete legislative and institutional measures. Saudi Arabia stated that the universal periodic review had provided an opportunity to learn about the efforts made by Oman to develop further its laws and institutions for the protection and promotion of human rights, and it commended Oman’s achievements. 372. Kuwait commended Oman for its cooperation with the universal periodic review mechanism, as demonstrated by its acceptance of a large number of recommendations. Kuwait appreciated the major efforts made by Oman to strengthen human rights, and welcomed its acceptance of recommendations to extend a standing invitation to special procedures and to consider acceding to the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights. 373. Algeria commended Oman’s positive engagement with the universal periodic review mechanism and its acceptance of a considerable number of recommendations, including those made by Algeria in relation to further consideration of the ratification of human rights treaties, especially the two international covenants, and with regard to strengthening the role of women in public life, the design of programmes for decent work and the strengthening of development efforts in rural areas. Algeria noted that Oman’s acceptance of a large number of recommendations demonstrated its commitment to human rights. It expressed understanding for Oman’s position on some other recommendations. 374. Sri Lanka noted that the right to development, including human development, was a priority area for Oman, and expressed appreciation for the extension of free universal education to Omani citizens. These policies had resulted in commendable progress for women and children, and in the fields of health and education. Sri Lanka noted the progress made regarding migrant workers, including the establishment of legal structures protecting workers’ rights, and Oman’s commitment to reviewing labour-related laws. Sri Lanka noted Oman’s decision to withdraw four reservations to the Convention on the Rights of the Child and to limit the scope of two others. It appreciated Oman’s commitment to ensuring coordination among all stakeholders in the national follow-up to the universal periodic review. 375. Cuba acknowledged the measures taken by Oman with regard to education, health, the fight against trafficking and the rights of persons with disabilities. Cuba had made recommendations on the rights to health and education, and women’s participation in economic activities. It noted that Oman had accepted a large number of recommendations, including those made by Cuba. It was now for the Government to implement the recommendations and to put in place programmes, plans and measures to further advance the promotion and protection of human rights. 376. The United Arab Emirates appreciated Oman’s efforts to protect and promote human rights, and commended the measures taken at the universal periodic review, which reflected Oman’s continuing efforts on human rights, including institutional and legislative reforms, in line with national needs and specificities, and with the aim of preserving human dignity 140 GE.12-13630