A/HRC/13/12 through which central government policy outputs, programmes, projects, and information impact on local communities. 23. The rights of Dominica’s indigenous people, the Kalinago, are enshrined in the Constitution, and the Carib Reserve Act of 1978. The Kalinago people live in the Carib Territory under a communal land tenure system which is governed by the Carib Chief and the Carib Council. 24. Central to Dominica’s development thrust is particular focus on the advancement of the indigenous peoples. At the United Nations, Dominica has been steadfast in its support of the Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous People and has been unwavering in its support for the United Nations Permanent Forum on Indigenous Issues (PFII). 25. The Government of Dominica has undertaken important initiatives to improve social development for the indigenous Kalinago people. The Ministry of Carib Affairs was formally established in 2005. Its creation, and the policy direction of its Minister, the Honourable Kelly Graneau, the elected Member of Parliament for the Carib Territory, has contributed to the heightened attention which Government accorded to comprehensive development of the Kalinago people. Much emphasis has been placed on improving housing conditions, and providing greater opportunities for training at the secondary and tertiary levels. 26. Government signed the Convention on the Rights of People with Disabilities on March 30, 2007. An initial consultation with the primary advocate for rights of the disabled, the Dominica Association of Disabled People and other key stakeholders was held in 2008 to familiarize implementing organizations with the obligations under the Convention and to assess the country’s readiness for its implementation. Further discussions are planned with a view towards ratification of the Convention. 27. The Government of Dominica is committed to ensuring the right of every Dominican to quality education. The education system is governed by the 1997 Education Act, which makes education compulsory for any person between the five years and fifteen years of age. Dominica has attained Universal Secondary Education. 28. Dominica noted that it received a number of advance questions from Argentina, the Czech Republic, Denmark, Latvia, Sweden, Germany, the United Kingdom and the Netherlands. 29. The delegation referred to several questions raised by Argentina. It highlighted that corporal punishment in schools is hardly used, even though it is still in the law. Furthermore, the delegation noted that attempts are being made to have separate courts for juveniles. Concerning the minimum age for employment, the delegation noted that it is actually 16 years. The delegation addressed concerns regarding its indigenous people, the Kalinago, and noted that they are accorded the same rights as others. In terms of access to Government services, there is no discrimination based on ethnic origin. Furthermore, the delegation added that many laws have been enacted to towards elimination of violence against women. Dominica highlighted that the Ministry of Gender Affairs is working with the United Nations Development Fund for Women (UNIFEM) to satisfy the outstanding reporting obligations to the Committee on the Elimination of Discrimination against Women in 2010. 30. The delegation referred to several questions raised by the Czech Republic. The delegation highlighted that a standing invitation for the special procedures of the Human Rights Council was under consideration. Concerning the Convention against Torture and Other Cruel, Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment and its Optional Protocols, the delegation noted that the cabinet in Dominica had to address the ratification of the Convention. The delegation highlighted that the Government had passed legislation to 6