A/HRC/10/70 Page 13 comply with article 23 of the Convention on the Rights of the Child, and consider the possibility of ratifying the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights. 42. Barbados stated that many of the conclusions and recommendations of the various treaty body committees put great strain on the resources of small countries, especially in the absence of clear commitments on technical assistance and capacity-building, and clear road maps on how these obligations and recommendations can be adopted nationally with limited resources. Barbados recommended that all countries and relevant organizations, including OHCHR, support the request of the Bahamas for technical assistance in human rights training and capacitybuilding. It also welcomed the country’s commitment to accede to the two international covenants soon, and noted that, even in areas where the Bahamas recognizes existing challenges, such as in migration, the Government is taking measures to ensure that human rights are duly respected. 43. The Bahamas noted in response to the reference to child abuse and child prostitution made by several delegations that it did not accept that there is a grave problem of child prostitution. The Bahamas has recently passed new legislation criminalizing child pornography and passed legislation in November 2008 on trafficking in persons, which are important steps in the harmonization of its legislation with international laws. With regard to persons seeking political asylum, it is important to note that thousands of people transit through the Bahamas in an attempt to reach the United States of America and that many among them stop in the country to seek economic opportunities. When migrants claim international protection, the Department of Immigration investigates all matters in conjunction with UNHCR. The delegation noted that records show that the Bahamas has granted political asylum to 102 people over the years, which showed that the Bahamas respects its international obligations. With regard to the status of women, the Bahamas recognized the crucial role women play in its society and regarded allegations of gender discrimination as inconsistent. The Bahamas reported that women rights are protected, inter alia, through the Bureau of Women’s Affairs, which can consider allegations of discrimination. With respect to the question of the passage of citizenship of Bahamian women married to foreign men to their children born outside the Bahamas, this matter was the subject of a referendum in 2002, which was rejected. The delegation stated that, even though the referendum failed, the Government has taken several measures to ensure gender equality and to prevent discrimination against women. The delegation stressed that most of the constitutional provisions can be amended only through a referendum. 44. Bangladesh noted that the steady decline in infant mortality, improvements in the healthcare system, the high rate of literacy and the status of women in society indicate the progress made in the implementation of human rights, particularly in economic, social and cultural rights. In many gender-related indexes, the Bahamas can be an example to many developed countries. Bangladesh appreciated that the Bahamas has allocated the largest share of its national budget to education, which has allowed free education for Bahamas citizens up to grade 12. Bangladesh noted, however, the concerns expressed by United Nations human rights bodies about the treatment of migrants and minorities. It was particularly concerned about the prevalence and involvement of children in the commercial sex industry and that the Bahamas has not yet ratified the Optional Protocol to the Convention on the Rights of the Child on the sale of children, child prostitution and child pornography and suggested that it consider ratifying it. While noting the delegation’s response, Bangladesh recommended that the Bahamas consider undertaking studies on children involved in the commercial sex industry, factors luring or compelling them to engage in such crimes, and taking appropriate action. Bangladesh noted that the Bahamas is vulnerable to natural disasters and climate change. Bangladesh asked what the Bahamas expects from the