A/RES/63/245 (e) The absence of effective and genuine participation of the representatives of the National League for Democracy and other political parties and some ethnic groups in a genuine process of dialogue, national reconciliation and transition to democracy; the fact that the country’s political processes are not transparent, inclusive, free and fair, and that the procedures established for the drafting of the constitution resulted in the de facto exclusion of the opposition from the process; and the decision of the Government of Myanmar to proceed with the constitutional referendum in an atmosphere of intimidation and without regard to international standards of free and fair elections at a time of dire humanitarian need; (f) Forced labour and forced displacement, as well as the continuous deterioration of the living conditions and the increase of poverty affecting a significant part of the population throughout the country, with serious consequences for the enjoyment of their economic, social and cultural rights; (g) The climate of impunity due to the fact that perpetrators of human rights violations and abuses are not brought to justice, thereby denying the victims any effective remedy; 3. Welcomes: (a) The visits to Myanmar of the Special Adviser to the Secretary-General on Myanmar, and expresses appreciation for the work of the good offices mission of the Secretary-General but notes only limited cooperation by the Government of Myanmar with this mission in 2008; (b) The progress report presented by the Government of Myanmar and the steps taken so far, though limited, in implementing the supplementary understanding between the International Labour Organization and the Government of Myanmar signed in 2007 and designed to provide a mechanism to enable victims of forced labour to seek redress; (c) The submission by the Government of Myanmar of its third periodic report on the implementation of the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination against Women; (d) The progress reported on the work conducted by the Government of Myanmar and international humanitarian entities on HIV/AIDS and avian influenza; (e) The establishment of the Group of Friends of the Secretary-General on Myanmar, calls upon the Group to facilitate the work of the good offices mission of the Secretary-General, including by assisting with the preparation of his visits and by urging the Government of Myanmar to cooperate fully with the mission, and encourages the Group to do its utmost to encourage the Government to respect human rights and allow a peaceful transition to democracy; (f) The role played by countries neighbouring Myanmar and members of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations in support of the good offices mission of the Secretary-General, and encourages the continuation and intensification of efforts in this regard; (g) The constructive role played by the Association of Southeast Asian Nations and the United Nations in working with the Government of Myanmar to respond to the humanitarian crisis caused by Cyclone Nargis; 4. Strongly calls upon the Government of Myanmar: (a) To ensure full respect for all human rights and fundamental freedoms, including by ending restrictions on these freedoms that are incompatible with the 3