A/HRC/8/52 page 190 586. Angola welcomed the readiness of South Africa to engage in an open and constructive dialogue regarding the situation of human rights and its cooperation with the universal periodic review. It expressed its appreciation for the efforts of the Government to improve the situation of human rights in all areas in spite of the challenges. It noted that South Africa is creating strategies to improve civil and political rights as well as economic, social and cultural rights and is showing a great commitment to improving human rights by ratifying a number of international human rights instruments and by accepting several recommendations to enhance human rights. It welcomed South Africa’s commitment to overcoming social challenges it faces and welcomed the policies undertaken to promote gender equality, notably in education. It expressed its appreciation for the South Africa Bill of Rights as it enshrines the rights of all people and affirms the democratic values of human dignity, equality and freedom. It also welcomed South Africa’s efforts to achieve universal primary education by 2015. In this regard, it underlines the South African Schools Act 84 of 1996. It believes that only through education can a nation aspire to achieving sustainable growth and development. 587. The Syrian Arab Republic noted that South Africa’s acceptance and endorsement of the various recommendations was indicative of its determination in the field of human rights, despite the heavy legacy it inherited from the shameful ex-apartheid regime. These include the commitment to improve the handling by police of rape cases and to curb rates of violence, particularly against women and girls, to ratify the International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights, to ensure that the rights of migrants are respected, particularly by law enforcement officials, and to take measures to address the inequities in access to HIV/AIDS treatment and support, particularly in rural areas. It noted that the development burden inherited by South Africa was enormous, but that its achievements in the areas of housing, basic services, education and medical care in favour of the historically disadvantaged masses are genuinely unsurpassed in developing countries and deserve encouragement and full support. 588. Djibouti welcomed the review of South Africa, which after years of deprivation of the human rights of its people who suffered so much and after the apartheid regime has been able to establish an atmosphere and climate conducive to the establishment of a democracy which is multicultural and multi-ethnic. It noted that South Africa has been able to promote and protect human rights and dignity of its people. It encouraged it to continue along these lines. 3. General comments made by other relevant stakeholders 589. Human Rights Watch welcomed the important recommendations to address the problems of sexual violence, equal access to HIV retroviral treatment and the enhanced protection of those seeking safety from persecution. It noted that the treatment of migrants and asylum-seekers has become particularly relevant in view of the surge in xenophobic attacks. It noted that poverty has a strong rural dimension, and that South Africa’s Bill of Rights provides for binding and justiciable rights for all. It suggested that South Africa ratify the International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights and ensure equitable access to antiretroviral treatment for all sectors of society. It regretted the absence of a recommendation on the prevention of evictions. It supported the recommendation made to provide victims of discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation more accessible and rapid remedies, and suggested strengthening the Sexual Offences Bill to include a comprehensive package of protection for child victims in