A/HRC/18/16 22. Egypt commended the signing of the CPA and the positive position taken by the Government on the referendum. It enquired about measures to address remaining outcomes of the CPA as well as the causes of the crisis in Darfur, while emphasizing the role of the international community. Egypt appreciated the establishment of national human rights institutions. Egypt made recommendations. 23. The Democratic People’s Republic of Korea welcomed the achievements in the area of economic, social and cultural rights, particularly the positive developments and genuine progress in education for all, poverty reduction with priority to pro-poor spending, continued emphasis on national reproductive and family planning, and improvements in the situation of persons with disabilities. It made recommendations. 24. Pakistan commended Sudan for extending all possible assistance to establishing the new state. Pakistan requested information on the challenges linked to the transition phase and the role of the international community in this connection. Pakistan commended Sudan’s efforts to raise living standards and noted challenges such as security and the rule of law. Pakistan made recommendations. 25. Oman noted the recent efforts by Sudan to draft new laws and review existing legislation to ensure compliance with the Constitution and international treaties related to human rights. A number of national mechanisms were taking practical steps to promote human rights principles, as were civil society organizations. Oman made recommendations. 26. Palestine noted that human rights protection would be a priority for the near future and expressed appreciation for efforts undertaken, in spite of challenges, such as in women’s rights and child rights. Palestine also noted Sudan’s strong interaction with international mechanisms. It encouraged Sudan to continue efforts to address human rights challenges. Palestine made recommendations. 27. Ethiopia stated that the international community should encourage and support the key gains made by Sudan in creating the conditions for sustainable peace and the realization of human rights. Ethiopia supported the commitment of the parties to continued dialogue and called on the international community to do the same with concrete assistance. Ethiopia made recommendations. 28. Cuba noted the efforts of the Government to combat poverty, illiteracy and weak institutional capacities. It also noted the efforts to combat diseases such as malaria and the measures taken to protect the rights of women, children, the elderly and persons with disabilities. Cuba made recommendations. 29. The Syrian Arab Republic noted that despite challenges, such as the conflict in Darfur and the civil war in the South, Sudan has complied with international obligations to protect basic human rights. Syria commended the achievement of the CPA and the referendum on Southern Sudan and the Darfur peace process. Syria highlighted progress in the areas of education, women’s and child rights. It made recommendations. 30. Lebanon referred to positive developments such as the signing of the CPA, peace efforts in Darfur and the referendum on Southern Sudan. Despite challenges, success could be achieved through positive engagement. Lebanon wished Sudan success in efforts to improve the human rights situation through institution-building and the adoption of legislation, in cooperation with the international community. It made recommendations. 31. Brazil hoped that the UPR exercise would trigger an increasing commitment on the part of members of the Human Rights Council to provide technical assistance. While noting the numerous allegations of gender-based violence, Brazil appreciated the adoption of the national plans of action to combat violence against women and children and to end female genital mutilation. Brazil made recommendations. 6