A/HRC/16/18 rights instruments. Iraq inquired about measures taken to rebuild schools and orphanages destroyed by the occupying power during the 2006 aggression on Beirut and southern Lebanon. 30. Brazil noted that the assessment of Lebanon’s human rights situation should take into account the recent history of armed conflict, foreign occupation and intervention. It recognized the recent progress, including in the areas of women’s rights, poverty reduction, prevention of child labour and improvements in living conditions of Palestinian refugees. It also acknowledged the existence of a vibrant civil society. Brazil made recommendations. 31. Jordan noted that Lebanon paid special attention to the promotion of human rights and particularly commended efforts taken to strengthen the freedom of opinion and expression. Jordan welcomed efforts to promote the rights to education and health and the advancement of women, including their participation in political life and decision-making. Jordan made recommendations. 32. Armenia appreciated the historic role of Lebanon as a sanctuary for victims of grave human rights violations, who turned genocide survivors into an equal part of its consensual family, and referred to Lebanon’s achievements in constructing a democratic society. Armenia welcomed Lebanon’s intention to ban the death penalty and encouraged Lebanon to maintain its tolerant approach towards all religious groups. Armenia made recommendations. 33. India took positive note of the establishment of the Parliamentary Committee on Human Rights, the Office of the Directorate-General of Human Rights and the National Commission to Combat Trafficking. It appreciated also the establishment of an interministerial committee to develop the National Social Development Strategy. India requested information about the measures that were taken to secure the right of its citizens to adequate and decent housing. 34. Israel put on record its strong objection to the inappropriate and abusive language used to reference the country in paragraph 2 of Lebanon’s national report. It stated that the existence of a dominant terrorist organization, Hizbullah, and political tensions had created a grave human right situation for the Lebanese people.2 In this regard, it cited unlawful killings, enforced disappearances, arbitrary detentions, torture and discrimination, among others, and made recommendations. It noted that it looked forward to the day when Israel and a free and sovereign Lebanon would enjoy peaceful and friendly relations. 35. Malaysia, noted improved stability as well as challenges in promoting human rights in result of a prolonged war, foreign intervention and partial occupation, among others. It noted that Lebanon hosted a large number of Palestinian and other refugees residing and acknowledged the steps that were taken by Lebanon in cooperation with UN agencies to ensure a decent life for the refugees. Malaysia made recommendations. 36. Bangladesh noted with appreciation the fact that: Lebanon was a party to the majority of human rights treaties; it had a vibrant civil society; and made a decision to establish an independent human rights institution. It expressed concern at some instances of poor working conditions and violations of the rights of migrant workers. Bangladesh appreciated Lebanon’s efforts to protect human rights despite the challenges resulting from war. It made recommendations. 2 Lebanon objected that the statement was not in line with the procedures of the UPR and that the language used was inadequate for the august Council. It called for these expressions to be deleted from the record. If there were no Israeli occupation there would be no resistance. Resistance against foreign occupation is a legitimate right enshrined in international instruments. 7