A/HRC/10/29 677. The Russian Federation was grateful to the delegation of Uzbekistan for the exhaustive information on the recommendations made. It noted the creation of a full system of national human rights institutions in keeping with the Paris Principles: the Ombudsman, the national centre on human rights and the institute for monitoring legislation. The national human rights protection system in Uzbekistan had been improved, and this had been quite clearly shown during the review. The Russian delegation wished the Government of Uzbekistan every success on that path. 678. Indonesia commended Uzbekistan for embracing the recommendations made during the Working Group discussions, and applauded the forthcoming strategies to mobilize national resources to accelerate poverty alleviation and eliminate forced child labour and trafficking. By working together with concerned stakeholders, including non-governmental organizations and members of civil society, Uzbekistan would be able to pursue its efforts to advance human rights causes. Indonesia expressed the hope that Uzbekistan would apply a balanced and fair approach to human rights norms in the country, especially regarding education and the eradication of discrimination against women and female children. 679. Ukraine expressed appreciation for the detailed responses to the recommendations made. Ukraine noted in particular the positive trends in the interaction between Uzbekistan and the special rapporteurs, as well as its intention to continue comprehensive cooperation with all special procedures of the Council, and encouraged it to continue its efforts. Ukraine hoped to hear, before the next round of the universal periodic review, about their achievements. 680. Kazakhstan recognized the positive engagement by Uzbekistan with the Council in the universal periodic review process. It noted with great satisfaction that the recommendations had already been taken into account and measures had been taken to implement them. In this regard, Kazakhstan welcomed the recent positive steps by Uzbekistan, including the signature of the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities, in February 2009. Kazakhstan welcomed the gender-specific steps taken, including the adoption of a draft law on guarantees of equal rights and opportunities for women and men. Kazakhstan strongly encouraged Uzbekistan to continue its cooperation with the special procedures and the treaty bodies. It welcomed Uzbekistan’s firm commitments and close cooperation in the review follow-up process. 681. Cuba congratulated Uzbekistan on its detailed presentation of ongoing efforts as part of the follow-up to the recommendations made during the universal periodic review. Cuba noted that, despite the obstacles confronted, Uzbekistan had made important progress, in both civil and political rights and economic, social and cultural rights. Cuba especially acknowledged progress in the areas of education, health, employment, the promotion and protection of the rights of children, the rights of persons with disabilities and with low incomes, and its fight against any type of discrimination. Cuba also wished to commend the ongoing bill in the 2009 legislation plan for equal opportunities and rights for men and women, to afford them the equal enjoyment of their rights and freedoms, as recognized in the national legislation of Uzbekistan. 682. Belarus took note of the serious work done by Uzbekistan in preparation for the universal periodic review. Uzbekistan had established the necessary structural conditions for the promotion of human rights, including the Ombudsman, a national centre for human rights and the State human rights programmes. Uzbekistan was actively promoting legal and procedural practice noting the recent introduction of habeas corpus. Belarus welcomed the adoption of the law to combat trafficking in persons in 2008. Belarus also noted the establishment of national rehabilitation centres for victims of trafficking. Belarus invited the representative of the relevant authorities to take part in training on trafficking in persons, which is conducted regularly by the International Migration Training Centre to Combat Trafficking based in Minsk. Belarus stated that it would appreciate the steps to be GE.09-17451 199