A/HRC/18/15 41. Thailand shared the views, reflected in the national report, that poverty reduction and sustainable growth are part and parcel of enhancing good governance and contribute to the promotion and protection of human rights in the long run. It indicated that it stood ready to cooperate and exchange best practices with Saint Vincent and the Grenadines in areas such as socio-economic development and health. Thailand noted with appreciation the improvement of the correctional facilities and referred to the United Nations Rules for the Treatment of Women Prisoners and Non-custodial Measures for Women Offenders adopted by the General Assembly in 2010. Thailand made recommendations. 42. Australia welcomed the protection given by Saint Vincent and the Grenadines to the rights of women, children, and persons with disabilities and the efforts to advance the economic and social rights of its citizens, including through equality of opportunity in education. It was concerned by continuing reports of unwarranted police practices, including the use of excessive force, and urged Saint Vincent and the Grenadines to thoroughly investigate complaints from citizens about assault or other abuse by the police. It welcomed the de facto moratorium on the death penalty and encouraged the country to remove the death penalty from its laws. Australia made recommendations. 43. The Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela noted the efforts made by Saint Vincent and the Grenadines in the drafting of the national report under the universal periodic review mechanism, which reflected the country’s commitment to human rights. It highlighted efforts made by the country in the area of economic, social and cultural rights, in particular relating to the right to education. It made a recommendation. 44. Germany commended the achievements Saint Vincent and the Grenadines had made in the area of human rights. Germany inquired about plans to address the issue of the age of criminal responsibility, fixed at 8 years of age, recalling that in 2002 the Committee on the Rights of the Child had noted that it was too low and that juvenile justice protection was not afforded to all persons under the age of 18. It asked for information on how the Government intended to secure children’s rights in national legislation. Germany made reference to the concern expressed by the Human Rights Committee in 2008 that consensual acts between adults in private were still criminalized under section 146 of the Criminal Code. It made recommendations. 45. Mexico welcomed efforts to strengthen the legal and institutional framework for the protection of all persons in the country. It noted measures in the areas of administration of justice, empowerment of women and legislative reforms, in particular to address gender discrimination and slavery. Mexico reiterated its support in the area of security and education and hoped that that bilateral cooperation would soon lead to a better human rights situation in the country. Mexico made recommendations. 46. Hungary noted the programmes Saint Vincent and the Grenadines had implemented in the areas of good governance, poverty reduction, socio-economic development and education. It was concerned about the country’s vote against the adoption of General Assembly resolution 62/149 on a moratorium on the death penalty. Hungary acknowledged climate change challenges, including the full enjoyment of the right to food and health. Hungary encouraged the Government to further strengthen its work with human rights NGOs and its cooperation with human rights mechanisms, including the implementation of UPR recommendations. Hungary made recommendations. 47. Uruguay recognized efforts made by Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, in particular in the area of poverty, in a context of vulnerability due to, inter alia, the effects of climate change and natural disasters. It welcomed efforts to prevent the abuse of children and to implement youth programmes with UNICEF. Uruguay referred to the regular use of corporal punishment of children and the legal framework, as well as to the age of criminal responsibility currently being 8 years. Uruguay made recommendations. 9