E/C.12/IRN/CO/2 United Nations Economic and Social Council Distr.: General 10 June 2013 Original: English Committee on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights Concluding observations on the second periodic report of the Islamic Republic of Iran, adopted by the Committee at its fiftieth session (29 April-17 May 2013) 1. The Committee on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights considered the second periodic report of the Islamic Republic of Iran on the implementation of the International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights (E/C.12/IRN/2) at its 5th and 6th meetings, held on 1 May 2013 (E/C.12/2013/SR.5-6), and adopted at its 28th meeting, held on 17 May 2013, the following concluding observations. A. Introduction 2. The Committee welcomes the second periodic report of the Islamic Republic of Iran (E/C.12/IRN/2), noting, however, that the delay in its submission following the report considered in 1993 had prevented the Committee from maintaining a regular dialogue with the State party. The Committee also welcomes the replies to the list of issues (E/C.12/IRN/Q/2/Add.1), but regrets that the State party did not provide adequate responses to some of the questions posed. B. Positive aspects 3. The Committee notes with appreciation: (a) The significant improvement in narrowing the developmental gap, as reflected by the 67 per cent increase in the State party’s human development index value between 1980 and 2012; (b) The decrease in the ratio of the population with an income under US$ 1.25 (purchasing power parity) per day; (c) The formulation in 2006 of the National Comprehensive Housing Plan and the adoption in 2007 of the Law on Regulating and Supporting Housing Production and Supply; (d) The significant increase in the number of women enrolled in the higher education system. GE.13-44434