A/HRC/13/13 25. The Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela noted that DPRK has an index of 100 per cent of children attending primary school, compulsory, universal and free of charge, and at secondary school, eradicating completely the illiteracy in the country. 26. Pakistan noted that DPRK is party to core human rights instruments and that its Constitution guarantees full enjoyment of human rights. Pakistan appreciated the system of ensuring full access to health and education services, the strong emphasis on human rights education and the commitment to international cooperation on human rights through cooperative dialogue. 27. Belarus welcomed the determination of DPRK to achieve progressive realisation of material and cultural well-being of its nation. Belarus commended the efforts of DPRK in ensuring the principle of universal access to medical services and education. Belarus found it important that DPRK has continued its efforts to ensure food security in the country. 28. Turkey believed that acceding to CAT and cooperating with special procedures, including the Special Rapporteur on DPRK, will help the authorities address some shortcomings. Turkey shared the Secretary-General’s recommendation that DPRK extend free and full access to United Nations agencies and other humanitarian actors and asked about DPRK’s views on measures to enable it to benefit from OHCHR technical assistance. 29. Malaysia noted with encouragement the Government’s concerted efforts aimed to build a progressive and prosperous nation by 2012. It also encouraged DPRK to extend its engagement with the international community to address the many challenges it faces with a view to improve the overall human rights situation in the country. 30. The Syrian Arab Republic commended efforts to protect and promote all human rights and noted that the complete and universal free medical care and education and the law on gender equality show that DPRK is on the right track to achieve development despite illegal sanctions imposed on it. 31. Thailand noted that the Constitution contains provisions on human rights and that some domestic laws and policies have been adopted to protect specific groups. Health care and education are central parts of the social policies. It encouraged the country to do its utmost to address human rights and humanitarian concerns with a view to improving the well-being of its people. 32. France asked about reasons for imposing criminal sanctions on people who try to leave the country and about the number of persons condemned to death and executed over the last three years. France noted that freedom of expression is limited and systematically violated and enquired about the number of persons incarcerated for political reasons. It hoped that the right to food for the entire population be ensured. 33. Australia noted DPRK’s engagement with CRC, the drafting of a 2008-2010 work programme for persons with disabilities and cooperation with the UNFPA as positive developments. However, it remained disappointed by the Government’s refusal to engage with many other aspects of the United Nations system and the international community. 34. Sri Lanka enquired about the four unique characteristics of human rights mentioned in the national report and hoped that international mechanisms, based on mutual respect, domestic requirements and understanding, would facilitate DPRK efforts to enhance an environment conducive to continued improvement of human rights. 35. Myanmar welcomed efforts to attain the goal to build an economic power by 2012. Myanmar commended DPRK for tangible progress in ensuring the rights to education and health. It asked DPRK to further elaborate on the realization of universal free education at primary level. Myanmar encouraged DPRK to share lessons learned from its experience in training medical personnel. 6