A/HRC/8/52 page 160 review, in order to present an objective assessment of the human rights situation in the country and to strengthen the universal periodic review as a key instrument of the Council to advance human rights on a global scale. 460. The Philippines had further sought to progressively refine its relevant laws, policies and practices on human rights. That continuous effort encompassed the whole range of governance, from the making of national laws to law enforcement and the administration of justice at the local level. Further, the Filipino civil society was a dynamic and active partner and a watchdog of the Government, and the media was one of the freest and most outspoken in the world. 461. The Philippines had made key voluntary commitments at the conclusion of its review, including to develop a gender-responsive approach, especially to protect the rights of children and women; to further develop domestic legislation to better protect the rights of the child; to continue to address the issue of extrajudicial killings; and to meet the basic needs of the poor. 462. In addition to those unilateral commitments, the Philippines had closely and carefully studied the recommendations made by various States during its review, which are contained in paragraph 58 of the report of the Working Group. In a spirit of openness and cooperation that marked its full engagement with the universal periodic review, the Government has expressed support for recommendations Nos. 1 and 2; the first part of recommendation No. 4; recommendations made by the Holy See and Switzerland under No. 6; and recommendations Nos. 5, 9, 10, 12 and 13. 463. With respect to women and children, the Philippines will continue to develop a gender-responsive approach to issues relating to violence against women and to build a supportive environment for women and children within the judicial system, taking into account the special needs for rehabilitation and post-conflict care of women and children in vulnerable situations and conflicts areas. The Philippines already benefited from long experience and has established a policy of women’s participatory inclusion and empowerment in all spheres of life, including government affairs and public service. The Philippines ranked high on gender issues, as has been recognized in the UNDP in its Human Development Report, as well as by the World Economic Forum Gender Gap Index. The Supreme Court has created the Committee on Gender-Responsiveness in the Judiciary, and in support of the Violence against Women and Their Children Act, it issued the Rule on Violence against Women and Their Children, which enables courts to better manage and monitor such cases. For non-judicial interventions, the Philippine Inter-agency Council on Anti-Violence to Women and their Children has prepared a five-year strategic plan, which includes public information and advocacy, capacity-building and service delivery, research on policy development, and sustained linkages and partnerships in resource generation and mobilization. The Philippines has also been chosen as one of the pilot countries to be involved in the United Nations Joint Programme on Violence against Women. Interventions to address rape, sexual harassment, trafficking in women and children and domestic violence were being prioritized. Regarding the rehabilitation and post-quality care for women and children, the Department of Social Welfare and Development provides community-based psychological interventions, including “Return-to-School” programmes for children whose schooling has been disrupted and livelihood and core shelter assistance. The Department of Health, through its Women and Children Protection Units in government