A/HRC/13/56 difficult to promote a public-awareness campaign, which would seek a sensitization to persons who have been considered to have violated the laws. Dominica remained sensitive to people affected and infected by HIV/AIDS, and treatment continued to remain available to persons infected regardless of their sexual orientation. 586. On corporal punishment, the Educational Act No. 11 (1997), which set out the policies for dealing with student behavioural and discipline problems, allowed for the administration of corporal punishment. The contents of section 49 (2) stated that corporal punishment could be administered where no other punishment was considered suitable or effective, and only by the principal, deputy principal or any teacher appointed in writing by the principal for the purpose, in a manner in conformity with the guidelines issued in writing by the chief education officer. 587. Corporal punishment was therefore not applied arbitrarily, and was seen as a measure of last resort for serious offences in the school system. Those who applied corporal punishment were guided by the code developed by the Ministry of Education. Corporal punishment was also used in the family, while there had been a tremendous effort to assist parents in the parenting of children and the use of alternative measures of discipline. Fully aware of the risk of abuse, the Welfare Department of the Ministry of Social Services was constantly engaged with parents and children who had complained of abuse. While recognizing the position taken in the Working Group, Dominica was not prepared to remove corporal punishment from its statute books. 588. The Government of Dominica remained committed to the principles of universal human rights established by the United Nations conventions, covenants and declarations, as well as international norms and customs. These rights were also guaranteed by the Constitution. Dominica’s inability to submit reports to the relevant bodies and organizations of the United Nations was by no means due to a lack of interest in human rights. The reality was that Dominica was constrained by a lack of technical and financial resources. It was extremely difficult to meet the demands of the population, especially in the areas of education, health care, housing, sanitation, basic infrastructure and services, while providing, at the same time, the resources to meet its obligations. Dominica recognized the need to enhance its institutional capacity to meet its obligations under the conventions; it therefore called on the United Nations and all its organs to provide assistance in this regard. This must not be limited to technical assistance and training in the areas relevant to United Nations conventions, but must also extend to the areas of adaptation and mitigation to climate change, as well as recognition of Dominica’s special and differential position with regard to trade. 2. Views expressed by Member and observer States of the Council on the review outcome 589. Algeria noted the efforts made by Dominica to ensure the full and effective implementation of economic, social and cultural rights, despite its economic and environmental challenges. Algeria reiterated its call to United Nations programmes and institutions to provide Dominica with the technical and financial assistance necessary to overcome these challenges. It commended the efforts to promote the right to education, including the establishment of special programmes and the allocation of funds, particularly for poor children. Algeria encouraged Dominica to continue to promote and protect women’s rights as part of its plan of action for gender equality. Algeria welcomed Dominica’s acceptance of its recommendation regarding the establishment of a juvenile justice system. 590. Cuba noted that Dominica, throughout the universal periodic review process, had demonstrated the will of its people and the Government to fully respect human rights for all, despite the difficulties caused by powerful and devastating hurricanes. The presentation of Dominica reflected its Government’s commitment to the promotion and protection of 168