A/HRC/16/3 64. Egypt noted that Liberia had recently passed though instability, turmoil and conflict, and welcomed the release of the 2009 report of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission, including its recommendations, and the establishment of the steering committee to develop a national human rights action plan for Liberia. Egypt also drew attention to the steps taken to combat and redress violence against women, including post-conflict sexual violence. It referred to the clear views expressed in the national report regarding challenges, national priorities and areas in which international assistance and capacity-building were needed. Egypt made recommendations. 65. Angola welcomed various initiatives taken to improve the quality of the education system despite the difficulties experienced. It noted with satisfaction the adoption of a series of measures with a view to reducing the unemployment rate among young people, and asked about results. Aware of the socio-cultural and economic factors that limited the participation of women in all sectors, Angola congratulated Liberia on having elected a female President and on having taken measures to increase women’s participation. Angola applauded Liberia’s establishment of an open and constructive dialogue with United Nations mechanisms and encouraged the continuance of the dialogue. It made a recommendation. 66. Thailand welcomed many of the country’s policies aimed at promoting and protecting the rights of vulnerable groups. It praised recent developments in addressing the immediate post-conflict needs of vulnerable groups, including the establishment of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission and the national plan to address violence against women. Thailand noted that many challenges remained and acknowledged Liberia’s need, as highlighted in the national report, for training and technical cooperation to assist it in promoting and protecting human rights. Thailand proposed recommendations. 67. Ghana commended Liberia for efforts to transform its institutions into public bodies that enjoyed civic trust and for the creation of the Independent National Commission on Human Rights in 2005. It noted with appreciation the information that the Commissioners had been confirmed by the Senate. Ghana asked what Liberia considered to be the major challenges in the area of education in view of the effects of the civil conflict on children, and how those challenges were being addressed. It made recommendations. 68. Latvia thanked Liberia for its constructive engagement in the universal periodic review process. Latvia noted that a significant number of requests by special procedures mandate holders to visit Liberia had not yet been accepted. It made a recommendation. 69. Mauritania noted that the institutional framework in the country was democratic. Mauritania also noted efforts made at all levels by the Government to protect women and children, which was particularly significant in a country that had faced difficulties because of a civil war. In terms of education, Mauritania wished to know whether training and employment were linked in the relevant strategy. 70. Côte d’Ivoire recalled that the crisis in Liberia had resulted in huge human losses and material damage, and indicated that the return to normality should be supported by the international community, in particular the countries of the sub-region. It encouraged initiatives taken to review national laws aimed at the protection of human rights, including those relating to mass rape and the rights of disabled persons. It noted that the national report indicated that many obstacles remained and that Liberia would therefore need international aid. It made recommendations. 71. Bangladesh noted that Liberia faced numerous challenges, such as major reconstruction and development, establishing the rule of law and sustaining peace and social integration. Bangladesh appreciated Liberia’s recognition of the situation of women, noting that, in the aftermath of the conflict, women continued to suffer its physical, psychological and economic effects. Bangladesh stated that there was an urgent need to 12