A/HRC/10/73 Page 15 65. Trinidad and Tobago acknowledged the constructive approach adopted by Barbados in the area of human rights. This bodes well for the continued progress of human rights in Barbados, as such a formula will engender a sense of community ownership and empowerment in framing national policy in this area. Trinidad and Tobago congratulated Barbados for its strong democratic traditions. 66. Botswana commended Barbados for its record of ratification of major international human rights treaties and ILO Conventions. It noted that Barbados has made numerous national and legislative reforms that have enhanced the promotion and protection of fundamental human rights and freedoms of its peoples, particularly the establishment of the Fair Trading Commission in 2001, the Police Complaints Authority in 2004 and other national programmes in the areas of education and HIV/AIDS prevention and control. Botswana further noted the challenges outlined in the national report and recommended that the international community, particularly through OHCHR, provide the Government with technical assistance for capacitybuilding in human rights training and other areas to augment the country’s efforts in meeting its domestic and international human rights obligations. 67. The Syrian Arab Republic noted that Barbados faces multifaceted challenges, including a large number of HIV/AIDS patients and natural disasters. It noted the progressive achievements in many development fields, such as poverty reduction, provision of basic education and empowerment of women. It asked the State to share and elaborate on its experience in the fields of female literacy and maternal mortality achievements. It also asked for clarification regarding how the community empowerment initiative would address the lack of local government system. It strongly recommended that Barbados continue to exercise its full sovereign right concerning sexual orientation on the basis of its cultural fabric and legal system requirements. 68. Bahamas noted the State’s record and that it has taken several steps to ensure the effective exercise of individual rights and their protection. It also noted the establishment of a police complaints authority and an independent agency, which is an important mechanism in ensuring the integrity and accountability of law enforcement personal. It also noted with satisfaction the achievements of the Government in the fields of education, community technology, training and health. It noted the challenges and the key national priorities identified by the Government. 69. In concluding, the representative of Barbados reiterated his country‘s commitment to a strong human rights platform and a rights-based approach to development. 70. The Minister disagreed with the suggestion that there was a widespread negative view of the Royal Barbados Police Force. The majority of Barbadians have a high regard for the security forces, particularly the Police Force. The Government will continue to ensure that the police maintain the highest possible standards nationally and globally. The fact that a former justice of the Supreme Court was invited to sit as a chair of the Police Complaints Authority attests to the Government’s level of seriousness. 71. The Minister noted that the domestic violence data protocol is a pilot project of Barbados. The Government has tried to ensure that all social agencies that deal with the issue report cases from the police, social services, hospitals and law offices. The Government has tried to ensure that all agencies that encounter domestic violence maintain standards of accuracy in recording the cases so that they can be fully investigated.