A/HRC/16/16 1986 that Micronesia had reached its independence, following the dissolution of the administrative trusteeship agreement regarding those territories. Cuba stated that education was a key element in Micronesia’s development strategy as well as for people’s dignity. Primary education was free and mandatory in national secondary schools, and the country was working to improve its educational infrastructure. Health was another priority: there was a strategic plan for development that included immunization for children under the minimum age for primary education. Cuba made recommendations. 25. Morocco stated that technical assistance remained a guarantee for the success of the universal periodic review if it was provided throughout the process. Morocco noted with satisfaction the Government’s efforts in the following areas: ensuring access to free and adequate education for all sectors of society, which had made possible a literacy rate of 90 per cent; access to health through a strategic development plan setting ambitious national goals, especially regarding the fight against infant mortality, which was constantly decreasing; and protection of the environment, which had been particularly affected by demographic growth and population redistribution, as well as by global climate change. Morocco made recommendations. 26. Mexico recognized the efforts of the Federated States of Micronesia regarding the promotion of and respect for human rights, and paid tribute to the significant progress made with respect to persons with disabilities, compulsory primary education and environmental protection. Mexico wished to receive information about measures that Micronesia considered necessary for the harmonization of family rights, including traditions and customs, with international obligations. Mexico made recommendations. 27. Australia welcomed progress made in raising awareness about women’s issues, in particular the Government’s support for the first National Women’s Conference. It welcomed the commitment of the national Government to work with state governments to remove the three reservations to the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination against Women. Australia highlighted the Pacific Regional Strategy on Disability and noted the challenges faced by Micronesia in achieving development goals, as detailed in its national report. Australia made recommendations. 28. Canada welcomed the efforts of Micronesia to ensure full respect for the human rights and fundamental freedoms of all of the country’s people. It recognized Micronesia’s vulnerability to the impacts of climate change and the direct threat that those impacts posed to the enjoyment of human rights in the country. While noting the commitment made to the principles of equality and non-discrimination, Canada expressed its concern that women and girls still had unequal access to health care, education and employment opportunities. Canada made recommendations. 29. Brazil stated that a more significant record in the ratification of human rights treaties would enhance the country’s engagement with the international community, with direct and positive results for its population. It commented on women’s rights, environmental challenges and labour rights in the country and urged continued efforts in education. Brazil raised questions about areas in need of international assistance and the main difficulties in harmonizing domestic law with international instruments. Brazil made recommendations. 30. Slovakia welcomed the fact that the Federated States of Micronesia recognized the right to health care and education and the obligation to take every reasonable and necessary step to provide those services. It also commended Micronesia for involving various nongovernmental organizations and civic groups in the process of drafting its national report. It expressed concern over insufficient legislation in the area of marriage and domestic violence, and insufficient awareness about ill treatment and abuse, including sexual abuse, both within and outside the family. Slovakia made recommendations. 7