A/HRC/8/52 page 103 promote human rights on the basis of transparency and responsibility and the interest in the recommendations of the Working Group. Welcoming amendments to the law on the press and reaffirming the right to freedom of expression, Tunisia encouraged Bahrain to strengthen its efforts in this regard. 201. Qatar, on behalf of the Group of Arab States, welcomed efforts made to lay the foundation for the rule of law and to guarantee human rights. The report presented has shown efforts made by Bahrain with respect for its Arabic and Islamic identity. Qatar noted that the measures that have been taken in consultation with civil society further reflect the country’s commitment. It also noted efforts made to strengthen the rights of women and children and the right of freedom of expression and the press, steps taken by the Council of Ministers, the adoption of a national plan of action and a workshop organized with the United Nations Development Programme to sensitize on the need to implement undertakings in terms of human rights. 202. Indonesia was encouraged to note the efforts which are being made as a follow-up to the universal periodic review session in April to ensure a full and positive integration and implementation of human rights norms in the country. Indonesia commended Bahrain on its human rights commitment and its achievement thereof, which is part of an ongoing process, and encouraged Bahrain in its efforts to continue to apply a human rights based approach to its policies. Indonesia commended the Bahraini Government on its immediate response to some recommendations made by the Working Group, such as an amendment to the law regulating press and publishing in relation to recommendations on gender and freedom of journalists. Indonesia hoped that the ratification of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights and the newly launched National Action Plan to implement the voluntary pledges to the Human Rights Council will further enable Bahrain to achieve the targets set in terms of effectively meeting its national human rights obligations. 203. Pakistan acknowledged the positive steps highlighted by the delegation of Bahrain, the most important being the launching of the National Action Plan, the guiding norms of which include full involvement of all stakeholders, transparency, accountability, cooperation and a result-oriented commitment. Pakistan also welcomed the gender specific steps taken by Bahrain, its increased cooperation with United Nations agencies on technical cooperation, and its decision to amend the laws relating to freedom of opinion and expression. 204. Jordan commended Bahrain on its positive and constructive approach and commitment and noted that a department on human rights had already been established before the universal periodic review. It noted legislation that applies to Bahraini and non-Bahraini citizens to guarantee rights, including those of women, equality of men and women, and the participation of women in the process of development. Jordan also welcomed the changes reflected in the adoption of a national charter and constitutional amendments to it and noted the active participation of women. It expressed the hope that Bahrain will continue on this path and reaffirm its attachment to recommendations made in this regard. 205. According to the Syrian Arab Republic, Bahrain’s election to the Council reflected its relevance with regard to protecting and promoting human rights and its credibility at the international level. It noted that Bahrain has accepted recommendations in the context of the