A/HRC/ 8/28 Page 13 and strategies aimed at reducing extreme poverty with the objective of meeting the Millennium Development Goals and targets. Nigeria recommended that the Philippines step up efforts to continue to meet the basic needs of the poor and other vulnerable groups. 51. The Islamic Republic of Iran commended the Philippines’ positive approach to the UPR and the constructive and participatory engagement in preparing the national report. It asked the delegation to elaborate on best practices to combat human trafficking and on ways to protect women and children from trafficking. 52. Brazil expressed its appreciation for the report and the progress that the country has made in various areas and requested further clarification on measures and institutional changes adopted to address the issue of extrajudicial killings and enforced disappearances. It recommended that the Philippines consider extending a standing invitation to special procedures. 53. Mexico acknowledged the progress made by the Philippines relating to (a) the abolition of the death penalty and ratification of the Second Optional Protocol to ICCPR; (b) the hosting of national seminars on the establishment of national human rights institutions; (c) promoting rights of migrants; (d) legislative progress on women’s rights, (e) the willingness of the Government to use the UPR report as a basis for a study on which to elaborate the second National Human Rights Action Plan. Mexico made the following recommendations: (a) the National Plan should take into account the recommendations formulated by treaty bodies and special procedures; (b) national legislation and customs and traditional practices should be harmonized with the Convention on the Rights of the Child and CEDAW; (c) the ratification of the Optional Protocol to CAT and the International Convention on the Protection of All Persons from Enforced Disappearance should be considered. 54. Indonesia congratulated the Philippines for its comprehensive report. It indicated that as members of ASEAN, Indonesia and the Philippines have embarked, together with other States, on a process aimed at establishing a regional human right mechanism. Indonesia welcomed the broad consultation in setting up the second national plan and the report for UPR, and the great attention invested to the issue of migrant workers, which can serve as a model for other countries. 55. Sri Lanka indicated that despite the violence and human rights atrocities committed by the insurgent groups, the Philippines is fully committed to safeguarding the democratic values and tried several peace pacts. Against this background, Sri Lanka fully understands the challenges and constraints the Philippines faces in the promotion and protection of human rights. The Philippines is a model in handling migrant issues; it is among the largest migrant sending countries and a model in handling issues related to migration. Sri Lanka requested what specific steps have been taken to address the brain drain and social problems ensuing from migration. Sri Lanka joined Philippines in its call, made in its national report, for a road map on international cooperation on migration issues, and for receiving countries to ratify the ICRMW, and noted that the establishment of assistance and service institutions locally would be a major achievement. 56. In reply to questions put forward by various delegations, the Philippines elaborated on how it balances the negative and positive effects of migration. Brain drain is counter-balanced by enhancing means and skills, and matching these skills with requirements and also by an integration programme. The issue of exploitation is addressed by a programme of worker empowerment through education and the regulation of recruitment agencies. The question of separation of families is addressed by the programme of reintegration and reorientation. On the issue of social security benefits, the Philippines signed bilateral agreements with several countries to ensure that migrants