A/HRC/10/73 Page 10 compilation suggested that the international human rights instruments to which Barbados is party are not always transposed into domestic law, which affects the recognition of human rights set out in these instruments. Therefore, Algeria recommended that the Government take and strengthen the necessary legislative measures required to incorporate in its domestic law the provisions contained in international human rights instruments to which Barbados is a party. Algeria recommended that OHCHR, in consultation with the Government, provide technical assistance in this area. 40. Pakistan noted the commitment of Barbados to the cause of promotion and protection of human rights as well as the right to seek redress through judicial recourse, which is ingrained in its Constitution and also extended to the Inter-American Court on Human Rights, the Human Rights Committee and the Caribbean Court of Justice. Pakistan also welcomed the establishment and functioning of an independent civilian police complaint authority. Pakistan noted the frank acknowledgement by the Government of the need to further update several pieces of legislation to reflect current international human rights norms and the issues mentioned under the key national priorities, which cover most of the recommendations of the treaty bodies. Pakistan recommended that Barbados work for the establishment of an independent human rights commission and submit its pending reports to the relevant treaty bodies. 41. India commended Barbados for viewing health care as a fundamental right and for providing a range of family health services. It further complimented Barbados for having achieved a high female literacy rate and its commitment to provide free education. India further noted the establishment of the Governance Advisory Unit and the adoption of the Community Empowerment Programme. 42. Cuba noted the problems Barbados faces as a developing country regarding financial and material difficulties, which are exacerbated by the existing difficult international environment and the challenges faced by the authorities in this context. It noted the broad institutional legal framework developed for the promotion and protection of human rights and the arsenal of national plans and policies adopted for the full exercise of this right, such as new medical, dental, psychiatric and psychological facilities provided in the penitentiary system and academic development and employment programmes for prisoners. Cuba also recognized its efforts to promote and protect economic and social rights, particularly its attempt to guarantee universal access to education. Cuba encouraged the Government to continue its efforts to combat impunity and to eliminate discrimination against women. It recommended that Barbados continue updating its national legislation in accordance with international commitments and promote economical social and cultural rights with the objective of capitalizing on the progress already made. 43. Australia, while welcoming the fact that Barbados has not imposed the death penalty in 24 years, noted that the laws make it mandatory in certain circumstances and enquired about the State’s intention to abolish the death penalty altogether. Australia also welcomed the actions taken by the Bureau of Gender Affairs to combat violence against women and requested information on the Government’s progress on this issue. It noted that consensual sex acts between adults of the same sex are prohibited and enquired about actions the Government plans to take to ensure the human rights of gay and lesbian citizens. 44. Sweden acknowledged that the state of human rights in Barbados is satisfactory. Concerning capital punishment, Sweden recommended that the Government maintain the de facto moratorium, continue consultations on changing the mandatory death sentence for murder