A/HRC/11/37 Those changes had been intended to strengthen and protect human rights in accordance with international human rights and humanitarian law. It noted that, for a number of years, Azerbaijan had witnessed considerable economic growth, which had facilitated the attainment of economic and social policies. Such policies, it added, were designed to raise living standards and the social protection of Azerbaijani people, with the view to attaining the Millennium Development Goals. Qatar trusted that the Government would meet the challenges ahead, particularly relating to children’s rights and the rights of refugees and internally displaced persons. 578. Algeria commended Azerbaijan for the spirit of cooperation displayed in the framework of its review, noting that 80 per cent of the recommendations had been accepted. It noted with appreciation Azerbaijan’s transparency and its constructive role played in the Council. Algeria also commended it for its efforts to promote and protect human rights, especially economic and social rights, by implementing policies aimed at alleviating poverty and increasing employment, in line with Algeria’s recommendations. Algeria expressed its satisfaction at Azerbaijan’s efforts to tackle the problem of violence against women, including domestic violence, as recommended by Algeria. It encouraged further steps in this regard. Algeria underlined Azerbaijan’s progress in ensuring the rights of the child and access to education for all children. 579. Uzbekistan commended Azerbaijan for the consistent steps taken to uphold human rights and fundamental freedoms in the framework of its international obligations and in national legislation. The results of this commitment and Azerbaijan’s serious approach to the universal periodic review had created the prerequisites for its active and transparent participation in all stages of the process. Uzbekistan was convinced that Azerbaijan’s commitments to its international obligations meant a continuation of efforts to enhance and strengthen the promotion and protection of human rights. 580. Pakistan noted that Azerbaijan, a founding member of the Council, had constructively participated in its institution-building. It acknowledged Azerbaijan’s principled positions, open and constructive approach to the universal periodic review and frank responses to the issues raised. It noted that Azerbaijan had accepted a majority of the recommendations made. It highlighted Azerbaijan’s follow-up to many of these recommendations through the establishment of a working group. It noted particularly the constitutional reforms providing additional human rights guarantees, the steps taken to empower women and eliminate all forms of violence against them, and the measures to enhance children’s rights, religious tolerance and penitentiary services. 581. The Russian Federation thanked the delegation of Azerbaijan for the detailed information it provided to the Council plenary. It believed that Azerbaijan’s review fully met the requirements of General Assembly resolution 60/251 and Council resolution 5/1. This was the result of the serious and constructive attitude shown by Azerbaijan at all stages of the universal periodic review process. The Russian Federation stated that participation in the review was further evidence of Azerbaijan’s active engagement towards international cooperation in human rights. It expressed the hope that the Government of Azerbaijan would be highly successful in implementing all obligations undertaken during its review process. 582. Saudi Arabia stated that Azerbaijan’s presentation concerning the recommendations made during its review had reflected a positive and effective approach towards the machinery of the Council. It noted that Azerbaijan had accepted the majority of recommendations. Saudi Arabia stated that Azerbaijan’s cooperation with United Nations procedures and mechanisms and its determination to continue this positive dialogue had made clear the importance it attached to human rights. It also noted Azerbaijan’s determination to promote the civil, cultural, political and social rights of its citizens. The review had provided a useful opportunity to learn about Azerbaijani efforts to develop GE.09-16766 145