A/HRC/11/22* welcomed the allocation of a significant portion of the state budget to education. Uzbekistan recommended that Cuba continue efforts to ensure compatibility between national legislation and international obligations assumed by the country, in accordance with the human rights treaties that Cuba has acceded to; and consolidate further and exchange its experiences in programmes aimed at specialized care for young people, taking into account their interests and socio-economic situation, all of which helps young people to develop their full potential. 95. Mexico welcomed Cuba’s achievements, particularly in meeting economic, social, and cultural rights, as well as their international generosity and solidarity despite facing adverse conditions. It welcomed the recent steps to strengthen cooperation with special procedures of the Council, and the decision to ratify three human rights instruments. It recommended that Cuba continue with the policy of openness and cooperation with United Nations human rights mechanisms, and in particular that it consider favourably the requests by the mechanisms of the Council that have already expressed their desire to visit Cuba; design and implement an inter-institutional mechanism with civil society participation for the implementation of the recommendations arising from the UPR mechanism; conduct a study on the need for legislative and administrative adjustments for the implementation of human rights internally/domestically; establish by law a national human rights institution in accordance with the Paris Principles; and strengthen national capacities to assist victims of domestic violence. 96. Austria indicated that treaty bodies and special procedures have repeatedly noted the lack of an independent judiciary in Cuba, asked about legislative plans to strengthen the independence of the judiciary, and recommended that (a) Cuba assure to all citizens the right to be heard by an independent tribunal. In 2003, the Working group on arbitrary detention held that the deprivation of liberty of 79 persons was arbitrary and requested Cuba to remedy this situation. Austria asked about the follow-up given to these recommendations. It recommended that (b) Cuba halt the prosecution of citizens who are exercising the rights guaranteed under articles 18, 19, 20, 21, and 22 of the UDHR. Austria asked how the Government is addressing the problem of sexual exploitation of women through prostitution, and how the recommendation of CRC regarding changes to the Criminal Code to protect children from sexual exploitation are implemented. Austria recommended that (c) Cuba also address the root causes of prostitution by adopting measures enhancing women’s economic opportunities. 97. Syria noted that Cuba was a model of the determination of a nation to stand up against all circumstances and to build up all the necessary components of renaissance and prosperity. Syria noted that despite the negative impact of the blockade on the acquisition of resources and medical technologies, Cuba was able to keep up its health services to the universal standards and to make scientific breakthroughs in vital specializations. Syria noted the long history of Cuba’s international cooperation in the field of human rights as confirmed by the Special Rapporteur on the right to food and treaty bodies. Syria further noted that Cuba’s principled support of the legitimate rights of all peoples, especially the poor and the oppressed, was a landmark in its history. Syria recommended that Cuba continue in its firm commitment to support initiatives in favour of the right of peoples to self-determination, as well as in its consistent support for all efforts aiming at putting an end to all types of foreign occupation. 98. Azerbaijan praised Cuba’s efforts in ensuring human rights and fundamental freedoms of its people and noted with satisfaction the various achievements. In particular, considerable progress has been made towards ensuring gender equality, the right to education, medicine and health care and the realization of the right to food. The high percentage of women representation at all levels is also encouraging. The fact that Cuba has already met several MDGs goals, as indicated by some special procedures is commendable. GE.09-16273 17