A/HRC/8/52 page 111 including in the constitutional text the free self-determination of indigenous peoples, including the possibility of being informed in advance on matters which have a direct influence on their lives. 229. Action Canada for Population and Development welcomed the strong commitment to the universality of human rights demonstrated by the Ecuadorian delegation during the review, including its defence of its obligation to combat discrimination based on sexual orientation. In this connection, it welcomed the decision of the Constitutional Assembly to preserve the references forbidding discrimination based on sexual orientation in the text of the new constitution that is currently being drafted - a decision that corresponds to the letter and spirit of recommendation No. 7 (A/HRC/8/20, para. 60). Ecuador was encouraged to add “gender identity” to the prohibited grounds of discrimination listed in the Constitution, and it was recommended that Ecuador develop and implement training and sensitization programmes on gender identity and sexual orientation for police personnel and for the educational system at all levels. It also recommended that Ecuador take concrete steps to address the situation of the social and economic marginalization of transvestites, transsexuals, lesbians, bisexuals and gay men. 230. Centre for Women Global Leadership stated that with reference to recommendations nos. 6, 7 and 8, in spite of being prominent in civil society reports, women’s reproductive rights were not adequately highlighted during the review. It encouraged Ecuador to affirm the constitutional principles of non-discrimination and the right to exercise informed choice in matters of sexual and reproductive health above the interest of particular groups, including religious groups. Furthermore, women do not use contraceptives due to ignorance, pressure from their husbands and partners and religious beliefs. The Government was encouraged to strengthen the awareness-raising component of its current plans on reproductive health to better educate the population on the uses of contraceptives and to eradicate gender stereotypes and harmful beliefs, including those of a religious nature. Including a specific reference to the secular character of the Ecuadorean State in the new Constitution, with full respect of religious freedom, will further contribute to this end. 4. Views expressed by the State under review on the outcome and concluding remarks 231. Following the views expressed on the outcome of the review by representatives of States members of the Council, observers and stakeholders, Ecuador expressed its appreciation for the additional comments made by delegations and several non-governmental organizations. It noted that statements reflect the transparent, clear and decisive way in which Ecuador has submitted itself to the universal periodic review. It further noted that many of the recommendations put forward by non-governmental organizations are already reflected in the national report and the 48 voluntary pledges and commitments introduced by Ecuador at the present meeting. 232. Ecuador indicated that it participated in the process with the objective of strengthening international mechanisms and expressed its satisfaction at the process and mechanism, an efficient form of multilateralism with the highest goal of human development, which is what countries like Ecuador aspire to as well. This means for Ecuador basically a firm commitment to the defence of human rights, transparency in its actions, a firm determination and resolution to bring about reform in its judiciary, especially in the new Constitution which is being drafted.