A/HRC/11/22* young people and the transfer of knowledge, especially in sensitive areas such as medicine, public health, science and technology, or even sports. 76. The Dominican Republic recommended that Cuba share its experiences and good practices in the promotion and protection of the right to health, which, despite the country’s developing status, had yielded substantial advances for all Cubans, and that it share, in particular with the other members of the region, its experiences and good practices in coping with natural disasters, as well as its important achievements in the preservation of human life when confronted with the hurricanes that have afflicted the country and the entire region in recent years. 77. Jordan highlighted the importance that Cuba attaches to human rights and welcomed its ongoing efforts in the promotion and protection of human rights, most notably through the recent signature of ICCPR and ICESCR. Jordan was pleased to learn that Cuba will ratify the International Convention for the Protection of All Persons from Enforced Disappearance (CED). It commended Cuba for extending an invitation to the Special Rapporteur on torture and for spearheading the international efforts aiming at advancing the right to food and addressing the international food crisis. Jordan recommended that Cuba consider enhancing human rights education through the development of public-awareness campaigns and programs at all levels; and continue to provide training programs on human rights for the judiciary, law enforcement personnel and lawyers. 78. Pakistan noted that Cuba’s resolve to uphold the principles of impartiality, nonselectivity and universality of human rights has withstood the tests of time and pressure, and that Pakistan and Cuba have worked together on a range of issues of great importance to the developing world. Pakistan noted a number of steps taken by Cuba to guarantee the implementation of basic human rights to its citizens without discrimination and its significant progress in the realization of economic, social and cultural rights despite financial difficulties and frequent natural disasters. Achievements in the fields of highquality, universal education, health services, international cooperation and solidarity are examples of best practices. Pakistan recommended that Cuba implement the recommendations of the Special Rapporteur on the right to food in his report on his visit to the country; maintain its policy of respect and tolerance for all religions without discrimination; and, based on the meritorious services extended by Medical Brigade Henry Reeve to Pakistan during the 2005 earthquake, share this good practice in the field of international cooperation for the promotion of health services. 79. Canada noted recent positive developments, including the commutation of death sentences to prison terms, and the signature of ICCPR and ICESCR. It recommended that Cuba (a) ratify and implement the two International Covenants as soon as possible as well as facilitate public dissemination of these treaties and ensure that all Cubans are aware of the rights contained therein. Noting in particular the invitation to the Special Rapporteur on torture, Canada recommended that Cuba (b) further open its doors to cooperation with human rights and humanitarian organizations, including by extending an open invitation to special procedures and providing full access to representatives of the International Committee of the Red Cross. While noting calls by President Castro for greater expression of divergent opinions, it recommended that Cuba (c) lift restrictions on the rights to freedom of expression and association, including restrictions on the media, that are not in accordance with ICCPR, and show greater tolerance for Cubans who express opposing views peacefully. While noting the declining number of political prisoners, Canada recommended that Cuba (d) unconditionally release all remaining political prisoners and allow them to reintegrate fully into their communities without prejudice. 80. Zimbabwe stressed that the national report was the outcome of a broad and inclusive process involving all stakeholders, excepting lamentably those in the territory of the United States Naval Base at Guantanamo. Zimbabwe recommended that Cuba pursue efforts at the GE.09-16273 13