A/HRC/17/2 and achieving social justice and equal opportunities for all. It noted the political will and determination displayed by Oman to implement all accepted recommendations. 377. The United States of America supported recommendations made to Oman to enhance assistance and rights protection mechanisms for migrant and domestic workers, and expressed its appreciation for Oman’s acceptance of several recommendations regarding freedom of expression and labour rights. It noted Oman’s appropriate restraint in dealing with ongoing labour protests and the proactive engagement of job seekers. It encouraged Oman to continue efforts to raise employer and employee awareness of their labour rights and responsibilities under national and international law. It looked forward to Oman’s continued positive engagement with the private sector and worker organizations. 378. Palestine noted Oman’s positive interaction with the mechanisms of the Human Rights Council and its acceptance of most recommendations. It acknowledged the efforts made by Oman in different social and economic areas, and noted that Oman’s cooperation with all mechanisms of the Council demonstrated its commitment to human rights. The universal periodic review had provided a useful opportunity to learn about its efforts to develop its legislation and to strengthen human rights. 379. Bahrain noted that Oman had accepted 142 recommendations, which demonstrated Oman’s determination and political will to continue efforts to comply with its obligations in the field of human rights. It appreciated the fact that Oman had accepted its recommendations, in particular to increase efforts to integrate a human rights culture in school curricula and to eliminate all kinds of discrimination against women and increase their representation in the Consultative Council. In addition, it paid tribute to Oman for its attention to the fight against human trafficking, its focus on the right to development and its achievements regarding health and education in connection with the rights of women, children and migrant workers. 380. Iraq commended Oman’s positive interaction with the universal periodic review process, which demonstrated its desire to promote human rights and fundamental freedoms. Iraq noted that, in total, Oman had accepted 142 recommendations, including recommendation to accede to core human rights instruments, which indicated the determination of the sultanate to comply with human rights standards and principles. 3. General comments made by other relevant stakeholders 381. Rencontre africaine pour la défense des droits de l’homme highlighted the importance of addressing abuse and exploitation of migrant workers through measures to combat trafficking in human beings and to improve the living conditions of migrant workers and the prospects for decent work. It was pleased to note the progress made in a short period with regard to economic and social rights. Despite some improvements in women’s rights, many challenges remained, including the exposure of women to violence and practices that discriminated against women, mainly in rural areas. It noted the lifting of its reservation to the Convention on the Rights of the Child, but observed that the situation of children born out of wedlock, in terms of upbringing and education, was still disturbing. It invited Oman to lift restriction on freedom of expression in the press and over the Internet. 4. Concluding remarks of the State under review 382. The delegation of Oman, expressed the Government’s determination to follow up and implement universal periodic review recommendations through the special commission established for that purpose. The Government was determined to take all measures necessary to promote and protect human rights as part of a principled policy rather than a choice that could be followed today and abandoned tomorrow. Human dignity and freedom GE.12-13630 141