A/HRC/WG.6/1/ECU/4 page 11 54. On the questions of treatment of migrants, the delegation indicated that in 2007 a National Secretariat for Migrants was set up and is conducting a policy which places the human person at its centre. A national plan for human development for migration was also adopted, taking into account the views of civil society. The National Secretariat has a role of coordination, among different institutions, with a gender focus. One of the specific projects refers to Casa Ecuatoriana with a special attention to women. There is a voluntary dignified and sustainable return programme. The Government has an annual budget of US$ 5 million distributed mainly for the implementation of productive programmes where the civil society and public bodies can be involved. Ecuador seeks to ensure a consistent policy and to comply with obligations in terms of migrants. The State’s efforts should be supported by the international community. 55. The creation of a national institution of a human rights defender implies coordination with other bodies, including the Ministry of Justice and Human Rights and independent institutions. Under Ecuadorean legislation and the Constitution, life is protected from the moment of conception. 56. Regarding the social protection of children, particularly the elimination of the phenomenon of street children, the delegation indicated that Ecuador has a special national protection plan and has made efforts to identify areas where children are forced to beg and are subject to labour exploitation in the streets. Ecuador is executing a national plan for eradication of child begging which leads to sexual and labour exploitation, and they are working together with the affected children. 57. Regarding coordination between human rights bodies, the delegation indicated that Ecuador established a coordinating body in 2002. This involves various State institutions and civil society organizations, and includes their involvement in the preparation of reports to treaty bodies and for reviewing/assessing the recommendations by special procedures, including the dissemination of recommendations. 58. In his concluding remarks, the Minister of Justice and Human Rights noted that Ecuador fully supports the UPR as a mechanism that ensures universality and equality in the treatment for all States based on an interactive dialogue and cooperation, promoting the capacity of the State to improve the implementation of public policies and practices for the promotion and protection of human rights. He noted that the exercise has been useful for the inspiration of public policies in the country. 59. The Minister also stated that Ecuador looks forward to the assistance of the international community and to the recommendations that will be provided as part of this exercise. He highlighted that the exchange of practices is among the main objectives of UPR and noted that the migrant policy of Ecuador is focused on the people, seeking to achieve a dignified migration process and the effective participation of societies of origin and destination. He therefore called on all countries that have not yet done so to ratify the ICMW. III. CONCLUSIONS AND/OR RECOMMENDATIONS 60. During the interactive dialogue, different countries have presented recommendations as follows: 1. Provide information in the future on further advances regarding the penitentiary reform and combating discrimination (The Netherlands). 2. Continue human rights training of police forces (United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland).