A/HRC/10/29 violations were systematically subjected to inquiries and punished where appropriate, as well as to strengthen measures for the development of effective mechanisms to help combat impunity, including strengthening of the judiciary, were also accepted. 521. The recommendations to ensure the investigation of cases of violence against journalists and for creating a climate in which journalists would be able to report freely on sensitive issues were accepted, as well as the recommendation to take measures to improve socio-economic conditions for refugees and internally displaced persons. Serbia also accepted the recommendation to reach the human rights goals set up by the Council in its resolution 9/12. 522. Serbia expressed its support for the work of the Council and the universal periodic report process based on interactive dialogue, which promoted universal human rights and their interconnection and contributions to the exchanges on best practices among States and other interested parties. On behalf of the Government of Serbia, the delegate expressed heartfelt gratitude to all States that had recognized areas for more efficient action for the improvement of human rights in Serbia, as well as representatives of the troika (Ghana, Pakistan and Ukraine) for their contribution to the preparation of the report. Serbia also thanked numerous non-governmental organizations and relevant United Nations bodies that had contributed during the review process to determine the status of human rights in the country. Finally, Serbia pointed out that it believed that the next cycle of the review process, to be carried out in four years, would be a real test showing the extent of fulfilment of the commitments made by the country in this process for the improvement of the status of human rights and freedoms in society. (b) Views expressed by Member and observer States of the Council on the review outcome 523. Cuba thanked the Serbian authorities for their efforts to present their national report and for the extensive and clear information given to the Working Group. It expressed its satisfaction with the replies provided by Serbia during the interactive dialogue and for sharing its experiences, achievements and challenges in the promotion and protection of human rights and for informing the Working Group of its priorities. It commended Serbia’s efforts to promote and protect human rights, especially the prohibition of all forms of discrimination, the promotion of tolerance and intercultural dialogue among the various ethnic, linguistic and religious groups in the country. Cuba stated that it was useful to learn about national measures taken by the Government of Serbia in order to reach the Millennium Development Goals, particularly on the poverty reduction strategy and the national employment strategy. It congratulated Serbia on the progress made in promoting and protecting human rights and encouraged Serbia to continue its efforts to honour the commitments made. 524. The Russian Federation welcomed the universal periodic review of Serbia, a country with which it was linked by many years of close and friendly relations. In particular, the Russian Federation welcomed the additional information provided by the representative of Serbia. It noted Serbia’s openness and constructive approach as well as the focus on dialogue during the review. 525. Algeria thanked the Serbian delegation for the additional information provided on the human rights situation in the country. The national report was exhaustive and showed the country’s determination to protect and promote human rights. Algeria encouraged the authorities in Serbia to continue along this course and to accept the recommendations made in December 2008. The delegate underlined that Algeria and Serbia had a common attachment to peace, justice and international legality and to the principles of international law, which were the only way to preserve international stability. Algeria recommended the adoption of the report on Serbia. GE.09-17451 171