A/HRC/13/12 children. In view of growing transnational crime in the Caribbean region, the Government of Dominica has been proactive in enacting legislation to make human trafficking a crime. 15. Dominica explained that the right to participation in cultural life is guaranteed in the Constitution and enshrined in the Culture Act of 1981. A National Cultural Policy was adopted by the Cabinet in May, 2001, which recognizes the richness and uniqueness of Dominica’s cultural heritage. Dominica has ratified a number of conventions related to culture and preservation of culture. A National Cultural Council exercises oversight over the protection and promotion of Dominican culture. 16. The delegation highlighted that the nation’s prime recognition of the elderly is asserted in the fundamental rights and freedoms that are to be enjoyed by all citizens under the Constitution of the Commonwealth of Dominica. According to the 2001 National Census, older persons constituted 13.4 per cent of the registered population of 69,625. In 1999, the Cabinet adopted a National Policy on Ageing, and The Dominica Council on Ageing, established in 1993, exercises oversight over the implementation of the national policy on aging, and provides advice and input into Government policy making. 17. The Government’s strong advocacy in maintaining the fundamentals of total care for the elderly fostered the launching of a pioneering programme called the “Yes We Care Programme”. This programme is a system of home and community-based care. It seeks to blend with the lives and requirements of the elderly in a harmonious way, heralding further for better synergy and cooperation among the many service providers. In 2007, the Government announced the policy of free health care for persons 65 years and older and for youth 18 and under. After review, the Government in 2008 decided to lower the age of persons who could benefit from free health care services from 65 to 60 years. 18. The delegation stressed that the Government continued to improve the facilities at the Stockfarm Prison. A new cell block was completed in 2008 which has helped to reduce the serious problem of overcrowding. Separate facilities for juvenile offenders have been established, and a skills training programme has been established for them. The inmate population at Stockfarm Prison includes both remanded and convicted prisoners, and the staff of the facility has received training in rehabilitation, and exposure to counselling, which are available for the benefit of the inmates. 19. The first reported case of HIV/AIDS was diagnosed in 1987. Over the last 2 decades, Dominica has maintained a prevalence rate of 0.75%. From 1987 to 2008, the cumulative number of HIV infections stood at 342 cases, with males in the 25–44 age group representing 71.2% of the infected population. 20. In 2003, Government launched the five year National Strategic Plan for HIV/AIDS which is guided by the principle that the life of every individual is precious and valuable and therefore all attempts will be made to preserve the well being of the individual regardless of his/her health status, sexual persuasion or other personal characteristics. On the basis of this principle the response focused on the provision of treatment and care for persons living with HIV and AIDS and the prevention of transmission of the virus (among the general population, vulnerable populations, and from mother to child). 21. With 45.4 per cent of Dominica’s population under the age of 25 years, Government recognizes that youth development is critical to overall national development. The process of youth work in Dominica is based on achieving the Millennium Development Goals and adopting the Commonwealth Plan of Action for Youth Empowerment. The youth development programmes of Dominica seek to achieve “Youth Mainstreaming”, a systematic approach to integrating youth affairs with all relevant stakeholders. 22. The delegation pointed out that a vibrant system of local government has existed for more than one hundred years. The 41 local government authorities serve as conduits 5