A/HRC/11/30* responsible for appointing judges. In order to ensure a better implementation of human rights, it recommended that Malaysia (b) consider abolishing the death penalty. 84. South Africa noted the promulgation of the Child Act, the establishment of the National Council for Persons with Disabilities, the promulgation of the Anti-Trafficking in Persons Act and shelter homes for victims of trafficking, the introduction of compulsory primary education, provision of adequate health services, implementation of strategies for poverty eradication, as well as the establishment of the Cabinet Committee on Gender Equality, among others. South Africa noted however that Malaysia is still considering acceding to other core human rights instruments, and it encouraged Malaysia to intensify this effort. South Africa recommended that Malaysia (a) implement the recommendations of the Committee on the Rights of the Child to ensure comprehensive protection of the rights of children, including those of minority groups, indigenous peoples and migrant workers and (b) that comprehensive protection is accorded to all migrant workers, including access to essential services like education, health and housing. 85. Zimbabwe noted that despite Malaysia’s complex ethnic, cultural and religious diversity, its people live harmoniously, it has made tremendous strides in socio-economic development and it takes pride in promoting and protecting human rights. It said Malaysia’s development model has been studied and copied by many. It recommended that Malaysia (a) continue with the positive steps it has taken in the implementation of the Bangalore Principles of Judicial Conduct; (b) continue its capacity building programmes related to all aspects of human rights; and (c) continue to implement the existing policy and programmes to eradicate poverty. 86. Kazakhstan noted Malaysia’s success in becoming a prosperous country with a dynamic economy achieved due to its ability to maintain political stability, good governance and sustain its democracy. It noted the improvement of the quality of life. Kazakhstan highly appreciated the opportunity given to the ethnic and religious groups to participate at every level of political, social, economic and cultural life. It recommended that Malaysia a) pay a special attention to the problems of the children living and working on the streets; and b) continue to enhance efforts to further improve the status of women to enable them to reach their full potential and contribute towards the social and economic development of the country. 87. Lebanon noted Malaysia’s achievements in establishing the institutional framework for human rights, it welcomed steps undertaken to ensure women and children’s rights and its continuous and remarkably efforts to realize some basic Millennium Development Goals. It commended the investment in health services, the protection infrastructure and the educational system. It recommended that Malaysia: (a) continue to take proactive and innovative measures to ensure sustainable development policies related to the promotion of economic, social and cultural rights in the country; and (b) maintain its commitment to realizing the Millennium Development Goals in parallel with striving for economic success. 88. France asked about Malaysia’s plans to: ratify ICCPR, ICESCR and the Geneva Conventions on the status of refugees; and amend the International Security Act. It asked what measures are envisaged to improve the work conditions, in particular of migrant workers. France strongly encouraged Malaysia (a) to respect the human rights of all individuals, including homosexuals, by de-penalizing homosexuality. It also recommended that Malaysia (b) reduce the number of crimes for which the death penalty may be handed down, including non-violent crimes, and to consider abolishing death penalty; (c) adopt a law on the media in order to guarantee the freedom of expression and information; (d) withdraw the reservations made to CEDAW, as an extension of measures already taken in 1998 and (e) accede to the Rome Status of the International Criminal Court. 18 GE.09-16360