A/HRC/13/14 close-knit society with a strong national identity, traditions and culture. It welcomed Brunei Darussalam’s engagement with the Commonwealth Parliamentary Association and its role in forming the ASEAN Intergovernmental Commission on Human Rights. Recognising Brunei Darussalam’s reputation for tolerance and openness, it expressed concern about restrictions on religious freedoms, treatment of ethnic minority in fields such as education, health and housing, and use of religion to justify reservations to international human rights treaties. Welcoming laws protecting vulnerable groups, it noted that some ethnic minorities are excluded from receiving such subsidies and support. It did not see the rationale for Brunei Darussalam’s continuation of its emergency laws since 1962. The United Kingdom made recommendations. 60. Nigeria welcomed Brunei Darussalam’s efforts in incorporating all ratified international instruments into the country’s domestic legislation, especially those concerning the rights of children, pensioners or persons with disability. It also commended great success Brunei Darussalam made, inter alia, in the provision of quality housing for its citizens. Nigeria made one recommendation. 61. Uzbekistan noted Brunei Darussalam’s efforts to ensure human rights and fundamental freedoms, including through active international and regional cooperation. It highlighted the positive results with regard to the rights of women, children and the elderly, advances in the health sector as well as Brunei Darussalam’s commitment to continue its cooperation with non-governmental organizations for further economic and social development. 62. Slovakia expressed appreciation for the non-application of the death penalty since 1967. It raised concerns about the 1958 Newspaper Act, the related Local Newspapers Order of 2001, restricting the printed media. It also cited the Internal Security Act, which allows for detention without trial for up to two years, without access to legal counselling. Slovakia also made recommendations. 63. Azerbaijan congratulated Brunei Darussalam for, inter alia, eradicating extreme poverty, raising living standards and increasing life expectancy. Azerbaijan noted a high level of ethnic and religious tolerance in Brunei Darussalam, and enquired about practical measures to protect migrants’ rights and combat human trafficking. Azerbaijan made recommendations. 64. New Zealand noted evidence of Brunei Darussalam’s impressive achievements in, inter alia, reducing poverty and enhancing economic prosperity. It hoped that Brunei Darussalam would soon sign and ratify ICESCR. It suggested that visits by the Special Rapporteurs on freedom of religion or belief, on freedom of expression, on torture, and on violence against women would be valuable to the dialogue between Brunei Darussalam and the international human rights community. New Zealand made recommendations. 65. Bangladesh noted significant progress in, inter alia, housing, human development and living standards due to a pragmatic policy framework adopted by the Government, with positive implications for the enjoyment of human rights. Bangladesh also made recommendations. 66. Morocco applauded the implementation, in April 2008, of the National Council on Social Issues, asking how the Council and its special committees would work. Morocco welcomed the importance given to the issue of development, particularly Brunei Darussalam’s vision for 2035 that will enable consolidation of the country’s development and enjoyment of human rights. Morocco sought further information about Brunei Darussalam’s effort in the area of education, and human rights education, particularly within the school curriculum. 11