A/HRC/11/37 568. Azerbaijan had accepted recommendations to improve living conditions further in prisons and to resolve the issues of overcrowding and insufficient health care therein, detailing the measures taken and envisaged in this regard. In May 2009, the new building of the Baku detention Centre of the penitentiary service, compliant with international standards, has been opened for use. At the same time, following the amnesty act of 17 March 2009, 9,000 convicts had been released. 569. With regard to the recommendation to reform provisions on defamation in criminal law, Azerbaijan noted that a special working group, as detailed in its written response, had been established. 570. Azerbaijan disagreed with allegations about alleged pressure or physical violence against journalists and human rights defenders, allegations that had resulted from misinformation. Equality of each person before the law was a fundamental principle, and applied to all, regardless of their professional occupation and work status. However, on the basis of the recent amnesty act, four mass media representatives had been released from detention facilities. The President also issued a decree in April 2009 establishing a State support fund for the development of mass media with $1.625 million. 571. Regarding claims of alleged impediment to the activities of human rights groups, it noted that, as a result of measures taken in recent years, the situation of non-governmental organizations and human rights defenders had improved. More than 140 human rights nongovernmental organizations had been registered in Azerbaijan. 572. The delegation had also clarified in its written response to recommendations in this regard that foreign radio broadcasting was not banned in Azerbaijan. 573. The delegation committed to adopting a whole series of recommendations to improve the living conditions of internally displaced persons further. The Government was carrying out a consistent policy in this area. The last tent villages in Azerbaijan had been dismantled and more than 70,000 internally displaced persons provided with favourable housing and employment. The poverty rate among internally displaced persons and refugees had fallen from 74 to 30 per cent. During the same period, $1.25 million had been allocated to the social protection of refugees and internally displaced persons. 574. With regard to the elimination of the root causes of poverty and the solving of social problems, Azerbaijan had accepted the recommendation and was ready to share its practice. To ensure the realization of social and economic rights, the Government had adopted States programmes on, inter alia, poverty reduction, sustainable development, employment strategies and the socio-economic progress of regions. As a result of policies and measures taken, the poverty rate had fallen considerably. 575. Azerbaijan expressed its readiness to periodically submit information on the implementation of the recommendations. 2. Views expressed by Member and observer States of the Council on the review outcome 576. The United Arab Emirates noted the importance that Azerbaijan attached to human rights and the steps taken to harmonize legislation with international law to protect human rights. It expressed satisfaction on the establishment of programmes to combat poverty and provide work opportunities to its citizens. It noted the efforts to ensure sustainable development and the rights of women and children. It also noted the efforts being made in the areas of health and education. 577. Qatar commended Azerbaijan for its constructive cooperation and openness throughout the review process. It appreciated the efforts to protect and strengthen human rights, especially through the constitutional and legal changes adopted in recent years. 144 GE.09-16766