A/HRC/15/60 609. Yemen noted that Kuwait was a pioneer in the region and an example to be followed with regard to democracy and respect for human rights. The success of the parliamentary elections, which had resulted in a vibrant parliament in which women also participated, was a vital sign of the degree of democracy achieved in Kuwait. Yemen also noted that the acceptance of a large number of recommendations during the review showed the sincerity of the Government of Kuwait in the promotion of human rights principles. 610. The Syrian Arab Republic appreciated the seriousness demonstrated by Kuwait in the universal periodic review process, referring also to the acceptance by Kuwait of most recommendations. It understood the rejection of recommendations not in line with the cultural or religious values of Kuwait, or were outside the scope of internationally recognized norms. Kuwait had a long-standing record of working to promote and protect human rights, without losing sight of its cultural and religious heritage. 611. Bahrain expressed appreciation for the positive steps that Kuwait had taken in accepting and implementing a number of recommendations made during the review, including recommendations made by Bahrain on the rights of persons with disabilities, the strengthening of health indicators and providing health services to all sectors of society. Bahrain welcomed Kuwait’s provision of health services to all, especially children and elderly persons, and of free education to the university level, in addition to education for persons with disabilities and their integration into society. 612. Jordan welcomed the positive steps that Kuwait had taken, including with regard to the continuing development and amendment of legislation relevant to the promotion and protection of human rights and fundamental freedoms. In particular, Jordan appreciated the measures taken to strengthen the role of women in society. Kuwait’s interaction with the Working Group had demonstrated the importance it attached to the cooperation with the United Nations and OHCHR. 613. Azerbaijan congratulated Kuwait on having accepted the recommendation to extend a standing invitation to all special procedures, particularly its favourable response to the request for a visit by the Special Rapporteur on trafficking in persons, especially women and children. Kuwait had accepted Azerbaijan’s recommendations relating to the establishment of a national human rights institution and a plan of action for the promotion of gender equality. 614. Egypt noted the efforts made at the national level for the promotion and protection of human rights, and Kuwait’s cooperation with the universal periodic review and other human rights mechanisms. Egypt welcomed Kuwait’s acceptance of recommendations to create a national human rights institution in accordance with the Paris Principles, and to prepare a national plan to promote gender equality. Egypt appreciated Kuwait’s efforts to combat trafficking and to protect the rights of children, as well as the aid that Kuwait provided at the international level in response to natural catastrophes and for development assistance. 615. Morocco welcomed the cooperative spirit demonstrated by Kuwait in accepting many recommendations, including those made by Morocco on the environment, human trafficking, dialogue between religions and civilizations, education and training on human rights. Morocco reiterated its appreciation for the humane approach taken by Kuwait in its immigration policy. Morocco noted that the Kuwaiti experience was characterized by a good balance between the requirements of democracy and modernity and adherence to Kuwait’s cultural and religious values. Morocco expressed appreciation for the programmes designed to protect the most vulnerable sectors of society. 616. Tunisia expressed its appreciation for the efforts made by Kuwait to promote human rights values in accordance with relevant international instruments. Tunisia appreciated in particular the achievements in strengthening the right of women and enabling women to 174 GE.11-17043