A/HRC/15/60 was a de facto moratorium on the death penalty. Furthermore, the death penalty was indeed no longer mandatory as enunciated in the Privy Council’s decision in 2006. While it remained in the law, the death penalty has not been applied for decades. 504. With regard to the recommendations made to extend an open and standing invitation to all special procedures mandate holders, Granada was willing to cooperate with all human rights mechanisms. However, in view of the burden associated with an open invitation, and bearing in mind its limited resources, it could not do so at this time. Nonetheless, Grenada acknowledged the pivotal role the special procedures played in ensuring compliance with human rights obligations, and hoped to be able to extend the invitation when its resources could meet the burden. 505. With regard to recommendations to ratify human rights treaties, and in particular core instruments such as the Convention against Torture and Other Cruel, Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment, the Convention on the Protection of the Rights of All Migrant Workers and Members of Their Families, the Rome Statute of the International Criminal Court and other conventions, Grenada would consider the ratification of necessary treaties but could not accept recommendations to ratify all of them. There was an ongoing review of all treaties and human right instruments with a view to taking a position on them, within the context of local laws, available resources and the country’s priorities. Indeed, a counsel had been appointed to facilitate this process; the Government would welcome any assistance to moving the process forward, especially in the area of reporting and fulfilling its obligations in a timely manner. 506. On the recommendations that it harmonize domestic laws to meet its international obligations, Grenada would consider the harmonization of its local laws to conform to the international obligations within the context of available technical resources. This was part of an ongoing law reform process. 507. On the issue of the establishment of a human rights institution in line with the Paris Principles, Grenada would consider recommendations in this regard. As indicated in its national report, there was already a human rights institution in Grenada, and the Government intended to strengthen its capacity with a view to achieving its conformity with the Paris Principles. Grenada also confirmed the existence of an office of the Ombudsman, which the Government intended to strengthen to perform its functions in accordance with relevant laws. 508. With regard to recommendations to take steps to improve prison conditions, overcrowding and the housing of detainees, Grenada would accept such recommendations and consider taking further steps to alleviate all overcrowding found in the prisons. The Government had been taking all steps necessary to address this issue and, in fact, there was an ongoing effort in this regard, as a new prison facility was under construction. 509. In relation to recommendations to abolish corporal punishment, Grenada informed the Council that it could not accept them, since the use of corporal punishment was permitted under the local laws of Grenada in certain cases. However, awareness was being raised regarding the issue and in order to encourage its non-application. 510. On the adequate protection of children under domestic laws, Grenada accepted the recommendations to take further appropriate measures to protect children under its laws. Under current laws, children (both boys and girls) were given equal protection, although harmonization of necessary legislation was being contemplated. All reported abuses relating to children were promptly investigated with the Child Welfare Authority working together with the police. GE.11-17043 159

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