A/HRC/42/2 693. At its 26th meeting, on 20 September 2019, the Human Rights Council considered and adopted the outcome of the review of Brunei Darussalam (see section C below). 694. The outcome of the review of Brunei Darussalam comprises the report of the Working Group on the Universal Periodic Review (A/HRC/42/11) and the views of Brunei Darussalam concerning the recommendations and/or conclusions, as well as its voluntary commitments and its replies to questions or issues that were not sufficiently addressed during the interactive dialogue in the Working Group, and which were presented before the adoption of the outcome by the plenary (see also A/HRC/42/11/Add.1). 1. Views expressed by the State under review on the recommendations and/or conclusions, its voluntary commitments and the outcome 695. The head of delegation of Brunei Darussalam expressed her appreciation to the Working Group on the Universal Periodic Review, particularly its troika members (Bangladesh, Bulgaria, and Peru), as well as members of the Secretariat for facilitating its review in May 2019. Brunei Darussalam continued to attach great importance to the universal periodic review process, as it gave Brunei Darussalam the opportunity to share its national achievements and progress in the promotion and protection of human rights since its last review. 696. The head of delegation reiterated the opening statement delivered in May 2019, in which Brunei Darussalam underscored the commitment of the Government, particularly in continuing to ensure that all citizens enjoy a high standard of living, with the provision of healthcare, education, food, water and housing, in a safe and secure environment with respect of their dignity. 697. Brunei Darussalam reaffirmed that it strives to continue to uphold its rich heritage of tradition and culture and strengthen the peaceful harmonious society, which it has preserved through generations of strong family values and community life that form the very foundation of its identity. 698. Brunei Darussalam was pleased that it shared its perspectives and progress in May 2019 and thanked all delegations for their constructive participation in its review. It hoped that everyone had gained a better understanding of the country, and the extensive and continuing efforts by the Government to ensure the continued well-being of its people. 699. The head of delegation informed that Brunei Darussalam has carefully considered all the 220 recommendations, following extensive consultations with all relevant stakeholders responsible in the implementation process, and was pleased to inform the Human Rights Council that Brunei Darussalam has accepted 108 of the recommendations. In addition, Brunei Darussalam also partially accepts seven other recommendations. Nevertheless, as much as it acknowledged the evolution and progress of human rights standards, she stated that Brunei Darussalam was not able to accept 81 recommendations, because they were contrary to its values, norms, culture and traditions, in its efforts to preserve peace and harmony of its society, as it continued to live side by side in this diverse multi-religious, multi-cultural and multi-racial world. Brunei Darussalam provided written explanations on its position on all recommendations in the addendum document A/HRC/42/11/Add.1. 700. The head of delegation noted that in its last report, Brunei Darussalam shared with the Working Group on the Universal Periodic Review the achievements and the progress that it has made towards the promotion and protection of human rights in Brunei Darussalam. It reaffirmed that it will continue to enhance its efforts to strengthen its national capacities including collaboration with local non-governmental organizations, other Governments, as well as regional and international inter-governmental organisations. 104