A/HRC/18/15 system to shape legal precedent and constitutional interpretation in such a way as to reflect evolving understandings of human rights. 13. The adoption of a human-rights based culture required overlapping approaches, the engagement of civil society and an analysis of regional best practices within a conducive environment of public debate. 14. The delegation reported that human rights were part and parcel of the Government’s broader developmental thrust and focus. Given the relationship between development and human rights, the advancement of such rights and a rights-based culture were inextricably linked to continued development. Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, recognizing the twenty-fifth anniversary of the Declaration on the Right to Development, reemphasized its belief that development is a human right. The establishment and advancement of all universal human rights were viewed through this developmental prism. Accordingly, significant investments and marked improvements had been achieved in the areas of housing, health, education, economic development, poverty reduction, and assistance to the elderly, youth and prison populations. 15. Saint Vincent and the Grenadines could reflect with some pride on its rapidly developing and improving post-independence human rights record. Nonetheless, there was significant room for improvement. The right of persons with disabilities to be fully integrated in society still left much to be desired, as did the continued stigmatization of persons living with HIV/AIDS. There was ongoing concern with violence against women and the sexual abuse of minors. An unwelcome increase in political tribalism had spurred the creation of the Ministry of National Reconciliation. 16. The delegation referred to climate change as a real and immediate threat to the rights to life, to property and to development. B. Interactive dialogue and responses by the State under review 17. During the interactive dialogue, 33 delegations made statements. Recommendations made during the dialogue are to be found in section II of the present report. 18. Algeria commended efforts in the areas of the promotion of the right to housing for economically disadvantaged persons, the right to education, literacy and the protection of childhood. It also noted that efforts in the area of health had contributed to improve the life expectancy of the population. It expressed solidarity with the efforts to address poverty, drug trafficking and criminality and the effects that the international trade system had had on employment. It made recommendations. 19. Cuba commended Saint Vincent and the Grenadines for its programmes to combat poverty and to prioritize education, promoting universal education at all levels, as well as for its programmes in the area of health and the prevention of HIV/AIDS. Cuba also made reference to efforts undertaken to address the rights of children, women, and persons with disabilities and with respect to social security. Cuba made recommendations. 20. The United Kingdom acknowledged the commitment of Saint Vincent and the Grenadines to human rights and non-discrimination and the progress it has made to ensure the rights of all its citizens were respected despite its challenges as a small island. It noted efforts in addressing child abuse and the introduction of the National Child Abuse Register. It inquired about plans to provide safe and secure facilities for juveniles who had committed criminal offences, in keeping with its obligations under the Convention on the Rights of the Child. The United Kingdom encouraged Saint Vincent and the Grenadines to improve transparency in the system of complaints against officials in the justice and security sectors. It made recommendations. 5