A/HRC/12/11* this happens it commends the reduced number of crimes to which this penalty is applicable and hopes that this will be done in accordance with international standards and in full transparency. Argentina recommended that Viet Nam (e) ratify CED, the Rome Statute, the Palermo Protocol and the conventions on refugees and stateless persons. It asked about experiences in reforming the judicial system, rebuilding institutions in a post-conflict situation, and on measures to reduce hunger and meet the needs of vulnerable groups. 84. South Africa noted that promotion and protection of the human rights of persons with disabilities, especially those wounded in the war, is an example of a best practice to be emulated. It recommended ratifying CPD. 85. France referred to a draft bill in 2008 to revise the criminal code to reduce the number of crimes to which capital punishment is applicable, and asked when this is likely to be approved. It asked if Viet Nam would be willing to host visits by all requesting special rapporteurs and not only those working on economic, social and cultural rights. It asked about measures to prevent, combat and eradicate discrimination and violence against persons belonging to ethnic minorities. France recommended that the Government (a) take measures advocated by the Human Rights Committee to bring to an end restrictions to freedom of expression and opinion and to end, notably, restrictions on the creation of private media at the same time; (b) set up a national human rights institution in accordance with the Paris Principles; and (c) sign and ratify the Rome Statute. 86. Lebanon commended the ongoing efforts and noted that these have to be measured against the challenges of poverty, lack of adequate infrastructure and global crisis. Lebanon recommended that Viet Nam (a) maintain its commitment to strike a balance between the opening up of their economy and minimizing the adverse impacts on the most vulnerable and disadvantage groups in the society. It recommended that Viet Nam (b) uphold the progress it has achieved in ensuring religious freedom to the different communities and ensuring that religious and belief activities continue to be a vibrant and enriching feature of Vietnamese society. 87. Italy recommended (a) stepping up efforts to ensure the full respect of freedom of religion and worship, including by reviewing laws and provisions at all levels, related to the freedom of religion, in order to align them with article 18 of ICCPR; (b) giving a positive reply to the request to visit the country made by the Special Rapporteur on freedom of religion in 2008; (c) fully guaranteeing the right to receive, seek and impart information and ideas in compliance with article 19 of ICCPR; and (d) developing a national strategy to include in the school system at all levels appropriate measures in the field of human rights education in accordance with the Plan of Action 2005–2009 of the World Programme for Human Rights Education. 88. Mauritius urged the international community to continue to assist in the area of poverty reduction. It noted developments to, inter alia, strengthen the legal basis for the accountability of State authorities in implementing human rights treaties. Mauritius asked for information on any plans to establish a national human rights institution, as also recommended by the Human Rights Committee, and on any challenges faced in this regard. It sought more information on any recent reforms to the judicial system, including with respect to legal aid. 89. Chile appreciated the efforts to fight extreme poverty. Chile recommended to Viet Nam that it consider (a) ratifying CAT and (b) the Optional Protocol thereto as soon as possible. Chile also noted the intention expressed to reduce the scope of the application of this punishment. Chile asked for more information about actions intended to redress, inter alia, the need to maintain social and political stability in order to achieve development, what Viet Nam understands by this concept, and how Viet Nam is going to ensure stability without imposing one single model on society. 16 GE.09-16382