A/HRC/8/23 Page 9 34. On the engagement with special procedures, the delegation noted that many delegations referred to the fact that Indonesia has so far received 11 visits. It noted the importance of engaging in a constructive dialogue with the special procedures, but noted that there was room for enhancement. It is benefitting from some recommendations made pursuant to these visits but has doubts about some of the recommendations. This is something it would like to improve in their continuing dialogue with some of the special procedures. 35. Singapore noted the progressive democratic reforms made by Indonesia, which are recognized by many countries in Southeast Asia and around the world, and referred to four rounds of constitutional amendments introduced between 1999 and 2002 and the first ever direct presidential election held in 2004. Indonesia, which has the world’s largest Muslim population, has a proud record of accommodating a diversity of religions and ethnicity within its borders, and Singapore asked how Indonesia achieves this. It also recognized Indonesia’s efforts in promoting the role of women in public and political life, noting that more women are taking on greater leadership and societal roles. Singapore strongly supports the actions taken by Indonesia to safeguard women and children’s rights and to protect them from violence, in particular efforts to combat trafficking in persons. Concrete steps to stop illegal trade in persons at the source are a critical element in dealing with this crime in a comprehensive manner, and Singapore encouraged Indonesia to continue to act in this direction. The Indonesian Constitutional Court deserves special mention for the important role it plays and the contributions it has made to promote and maintain the rule of law in Indonesia, and even though it is a relatively new institution, it has already passed a number of critical rulings. 36. Australia noted that Indonesia has a national human rights institution in compliance with the Paris Principles, and asked about its role in the promotion and protection of human rights in the country. 37. Tunisia welcomed the preparation of the national report by an inter-institutional team, in cooperation with civil society. Several positive aspects reflected in the national report include efforts undertaken with regard to the protection of the rights of children, and measures to address child labour, to ensure the nine-year compulsory education and to combat extreme poverty. It also noted the priority for the promotion of women’s rights as part of Indonesia’s national development plans and the establishment of a National Commission to address violence against women. 38. Algeria noted that through the two National Action Plans and the establishment of commissions, Indonesia demonstrated that it has anchored a human rights culture on the basis of relevant international mechanisms, and paid tribute to the promotion of women’s rights. It asked for clarification on measures to implement the decision to ensure 30 per cent participation of women in political parties and electoral commissions. Algeria underscored that Indonesia is committed to promoting freedom of the press without undermining cohesiveness and diversity. 39. The Russian Federation indicated that it holds regular bilateral substantive consultations with Indonesia on human rights to share experiences and develop common approaches, including on measures to combat trafficking and domestic violence. Indonesia has done much in the field of legislation and law enforcement to protect women against trafficking and domestic violence, some of which can serve as positive examples. The Russian Federation drew attention to the campaign to stop violence against children and the national commission to stop violence against women. 40. China commended Indonesia on the importance it attaches to Universal Periodic Review and the high quality of its report and noted important measures such as the amendment of the Constitution, strengthening of the rule of law, efforts to eradicate child labour, the nine-year compulsory education, efforts towards the protection and promotion of the rights of women and