A/HRC/42/11 punishments by ratifying the Convention against Torture, and welcomed the confirmation of the moratorium on the death penalty. 105. The United States of America was concerned about the sharia Penal Code if implemented, and the vulnerability of migrant workers. It welcomed the State’s decision to extend the moratorium on the death penalty, and urged it to ratify the Convention against Torture and the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights. 106. Uruguay welcomed the Brunei Vision 2035 programme, encouraged the inclusion of a human rights and a gender perspective in it, and commended the State for its moratorium on the recent amendments to the Penal Code. 107. China appreciated the Brunei Vision 2035 programme, the active implementation of the 2030 Agenda, and the measures taken to protect women, children, persons with disabilities and the elderly. 108. Cuba acknowledged the efforts made and positive results achieved since the State’s previous review, including the updating of legislation and progress regarding various human rights institutions. 109. Afghanistan appreciated the State’s efforts to improve women’s participation in politics, and education. The participation of young people in national initiatives, and the measures to protect and promote the rights of older persons were also welcomed. 110. Algeria welcomed the efforts made to implement the national policy for the empowerment of low-income earners, and to promote the economic integration of all categories of the population. 111. Argentina congratulated Brunei on the ratification of the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities. 112. Armenia recognized the measures taken by the State to combat trafficking in persons, and encouraged further efforts focusing on women and children. It noted the steps taken to promote women’s rights, and urged the State to address the remaining challenges. 113. Australia congratulated Brunei on its high living standards, including education and health care. It remained concerned at the continuing limitations on fundamental freedoms and the use of corporal and capital punishments under both of the State’s legal systems. 114. Austria encouraged the State to implement the Brunei Vision 2035 programme. While it welcomed the State’s announcement that it would maintain the de facto moratorium on executions, and apply it to the new Penal Code Order, it continued to be concerned about its implementation. 115. The delegation of Brunei Darussalam expressed its appreciation for the opportunity to engage with the international community, and thanked all delegates for their encouragement and constructive comments. 116. Brunei Darussalam was a peaceful country, where the people lived in harmony regardless of race, gender or religion and the philosophy of the Malay Islamic monarchy was its pillar and identity. Brunei Darussalam did not promote or condone violence of any kind, and anyone who had lived or visited the country could confirm that torture or cruelty against any individuals or groups was non-existent. 117. The laws of Brunei Darussalam were designed to preserve public peace and security as the society demanded. The Syariah Penal Code Order, like the common law, was to ensure peace and societal integrity, and that the rights of all individuals were protected, without discrimination. It would protect the religion, tradition and social fabric and values of Brunei Darussalam. It would ensure that certain acts were limited to the private space, where the rights of the individuals concerned to privacy was respected and protected. 118. Brunei Darussalam had improved and advanced the lives of its people in education, health, women’s empowerment, youth development and poverty alleviation. 119. The low crime rate in Brunei Darussalam was testament to its cultural, traditional and religious values, reinforced by its laws, policies and governance that had successfully protected society and the rights of all individuals. 10