A/HRC/16/12 25. In conclusion, the Marshall Islands emphasized that it was indeed committed to fulfilling its human rights obligations under the Convention on the Rights of the Child and the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination against Women and continuing to adhere to the Universal Declaration on Human Rights as well as the Charter of the United Nations. Owing to capacity and resource issues, the country had yet to ratify the other core human rights conventions, but was considering doing so. Overall, however, the Marshall Islands required the partnership and assistance of the international community in order to improve upon its human rights situation. B. Interactive dialogue and responses by the State under review 26. Cuba noted that the Marshall Islands, as a small island State, had been a victim of successive processes of colonization and neo-colonization, and that its trusteeship status had been officially terminated by the United Nations only in 1990. Despite a number of challenges, the Marshall Islands sought to advance the socio-economic development of the country. Education and health care were among the priorities identified by the Government. Cuba referred to the negative impact of climate change on the efforts made by the country in these and other areas. Cuba made recommendations. 27. Algeria welcomed the frank way in which the national report addressed the human rights situation. It noted the vulnerability and challenges faced by the Marshall Islands, as well as their impact on the realization of human rights. It also noted that the combination of several factors, including the small size of the economy, the high cost of transportation and the fragility of the ecosystem, had had a negative impact on the realization of human rights. Algeria highlighted the rights and the freedoms provided for in the Marshall Islands Constitution. Algeria believed that accession to the two fundamental international human rights covenants would enhance the legal and institutional framework in the human rights area. 28. Mexico acknowledged progress made in connection with human development, education, health care and the environment. In particular, it emphasized efforts to include human rights protection in national policies on climate change. It requested further information about legislative measures currently under way, as well as practices, concerning all forms of discrimination against women, including in relation to increased participation by women in decision-making. Mexico made recommendations. 29. China expressed appreciation for the constructive approach of the Marshall Islands in its engagement with the universal periodic review process. It noted that the Marshall Islands attached great importance to the promotion and protection of human rights and had made efforts and progress in the areas of freedom of religion, freedom of expression and the right to health, as well as education. China understood the specific challenges facing the Marshall Islands in the area of human rights, in particular in the light of the impacts of the economic and financial crisis, climate change and the historical legacy. China suggested that the Marshall Islands consider acceding to relevant human rights instruments. 30. Slovenia welcomed the Government’s commitment to human rights and noted with appreciation that the Constitution prohibited discrimination based on gender, race, colour, language, religion, political or other opinion, national or social origin, place of birth, family status and descent. However, Slovenia noted that the Constitution did not address discrimination based on disability. It also noted that women remained largely underrepresented in political life. It inquired whether the Marshall Islands planned to accede to the core international human rights treaties, in particular the International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights and the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights. Slovenia made recommendations. 7