A/HRC/10/73
Page 14
children and to ensure equal access to secondary education up to the age of 16 years. It
recommended that the Government strengthen its cooperation with human rights mechanisms in
order to overcome challenges that are frankly presented in the national report.
61.
Slovenia noted the State’s solid human rights record, established rule of law,
independence of judiciary and transparent functioning of society. It recommended the
decriminalization of consensual sexual acts between adults of the same sex and that it take all
necessary actions to protect homosexuals from harassment, discrimination and violence and
recommended that measures be taken to eliminate corporal punishment as a legitimate sanction
in the Barbados law and that it be discouraged in schools with a view to its eventual and total
abolition. It also recommended conducting public-awareness efforts to change the attitudes of
people to corporal punishment.
62.
Malaysia commended the Government for the efforts made in the field of education and
encouraged it to ensure quality education for all students. It recommended that Barbados
continue with these positive efforts and share its experience in this area with other countries.
Malaysia noted measures taken by the Government to keep the issue of domestic violence in the
public domain. To complement the measures, it recommended further intensifying efforts to
harmonize the method of data collection by relevant agencies involved in the fight against
domestic violence. Malaysia noted the establishment of a wide range of services and
programmes designed to eliminate discrimination against women in all aspects. It recommended
that Barbados consider formulating an integrated national plan of action, as recommended by the
Committee on the Elimination of Discrimination against Women. Malaysia called for the
international community to respond favourably to the Government’s request for capacitybuilding and technical assistance.
63.
Latvia noted with appreciation the State’s generally good record of human rights and
considerable achievements in the fields of education and media freedom. Latvia appreciated the
overall positive response provided by the delegation of Barbados in its introductory statement
regarding the issue of standing invitations to special procedures. Latvia believed that
accommodation of special procedures mandate-holders does not place a significant burden on a
country, even a small one, as shown by a number of small States that have issued standing
invitations, and believes that special procedures mandate-holders are sensitive to the resource
constraints of smaller States in the preparation of their visits. Therefore, Latvia recommended
that Barbados consider extending a standing invitation to all special procedures of the Council.
64.
Mauritius noted the State’s reputation as a successful small island developing State, its
profound respect for democratic values, the fact that it is party to major international and
regional human rights instruments and that it has been at the forefront in mobilizing attention to
the vulnerability of small islands to climate change and natural disasters. It also pointed out the
maturity of its democracy and its commitment to ensure universal access to education and
adequate standards of living, mentioning the Government’s achievement in these areas.
Mauritius enquired about the way Barbados intends to implement the comprehensive special
needs policy. It also requested additional information on the project using the domestic violence
data system form. Mauritius called on development partners to explore ways and means to
enhance the capacity of Barbados in the implementation of its human obligations and to promote
human rights at the grass-roots level through, inter alia, the elaboration of programmes for
human rights education.
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