A/HRC/13/11 the progressive implementation of the right to education on the basis of equal opportunity. Venezuela made a recommendation. 72. Poland, while appreciating progress made in the promotion and protection of human rights, noted that Bhutan still faced challenges. Poland referred to reports indicating that ethnic Nepalese suffer discriminatory legislation and practices of exclusion, including in acquiring citizenship and was alarmed at the effects on children who risk becoming or are stateless. Poland asked about measures intended to resolve these issues. Poland made recommendations. 73. The United States of America noted that Bhutan’s most recent census categorized over 14 per cent of its population as “non-national residents”, including people who effectively lost their nationality through legal changes over the past 20 years. It sought information on efforts to protect non-nationals’ rights. It commended Bhutan’s five-year plan for requiring agencies to mainstream gender issues and promote women’s empowerment. It made recommendations. 74. Latvia highly valued Bhutan’s commitment to ensuring the success of the democratic system. Latvia referred to the issue of standing invitations to special procedures, an issue addressed also as a written question before the session. It noted Bhutan’s previous cooperation with special procedures mandate holders, and made a recommendation in this regard. 75. Bahrain noted the adoption of programmes to protect human rights, such as a study of gender issues and Government policies in this regard. It commended efforts to prevent domestic violence against women in the five-year plan. It sought more information on efforts to empower women in all policies and national plans. Bahrain made a recommendation. 76. Uzbekistan welcomed the strengthening of national mechanisms to protect human rights, the results of efforts to defend the rights of women, children and the disabled, to guarantee rights to education, health and to inform the population about human rights. It noted Bhutan’s efforts, priorities and actions to fulfil international human rights obligations, despite difficulties, and the need for technical support. 77. Norway believed that civil society plays an important role in fostering a culture of human rights and effective cooperation with the United Nations human rights machinery as fundamental to improve the situation on the ground. Norway considered as important the national plan of action for gender. Norway appreciated that efforts for a solution for the refugees in the camps in Nepal are gaining momentum and, while noting that the international community offered to resettle 75,000 of about 110,000 people in the camps, it expressed concern that not a single person has been allowed to go back to Bhutan. Norway made recommendations. 78. Argentina was pleased about the creation of the NCWC and the recognition of equal rights under the Constitution. It also welcomed a pilot study on gender. Argentina referred, inter alia, to the international campaign regarding the ratification and entry into force of the International Convention on the Protection of All Persons from Enforced Disappearance (CED). It made recommendations. 79. Slovakia encouraged Bhutan to continue the process of democratic reforms in compliance with international standards. It noted that Bhutan has ratified only two international human rights instruments and made recommendations for further ratification. Citing the concerns of the Committee on the Rights of the Child about disparities in the rights of children of Nepalese origin to citizenship, education, health services, culture, religion and language, it made a related recommendation. 11