A/HRC/10/84 Page 14 53. In responding to issues raised, Tuvalu reiterated its appreciation for the recommendations and questions. The Head of Delegation was encouraged by the statements of support to achieve results on human rights and for possible financial assistance, particularly through calls to the international community to provide much needed support. He noted that there were administrative, political and legal implications to addressing the issues raised, and budgetary implications involved in establishing an institutional framework. 54. Referring to the concern expressed about educational standards, Tuvalu reiterated its full commitment to universal access to education, while it also explained that access to quality education is a challenge. 55. On the issue of acceding to treaties such as the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights and the International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights, Tuvalu recalled its full commitment to the spirit and substance of these conventions and to accede to them, but only after consultations and taking into account the resource implications. 56. The Head of Delegation assured that the Government would work with civil society and all stakeholders to fulfil its human rights obligations. 57. While agreeing with the need to harmonize customary law with traditional practices and to provide for this in laws, Tuvalu pointed out that many of the laws dated from colonial times and needed review and updating. The Government would consult upon and amend such laws as necessary, including the modernizing of its legislation, and welcomed the offer of technical assistance and financial resources from the United Kingdom in this regard. The delegation also stated that domestic violence and penalties for rape were important issues, and that the Government was fully committed to addressing them. 58. Tuvalu acknowledged the difficulties arising from the lack of capacity and resources to provide all levels of medical care in Tuvalu to its people, as persons requiring operations often had to travel to Fiji and New Zealand for such care at the expense of the Government. 59. The Head of Delegation indicated that Tuvalu was operationalizing human rights, including through strategies on sustainable development, and that it supported international efforts through sponsoring and supporting resolutions on such matters. 60. Regarding the devolution of decision-making to the governance bodies on the outer islands, Tuvalu very strongly supported such an undertaking within the context of cultural and traditional practices in accordance with Polynesian culture. It referred to areas where a lack of understanding and awareness existed of the human rights implications of traditions and practices. The Government welcomed any collaboration from partners to help in correcting these issues and to improve the alignment of such practices with international standards. 61. The Head of Delegation noted that land ownership was an important issue in the Pacific, and land played a major role in life on the islands. It was a very sensitive issue; for example, no one, not even private companies, can buy the right of ownership of the land from the Tuvaluans. 62. Tuvalu expressed appreciation for questions on how climate change was affecting the people, who are very concerned about its impact. The Government is working in close cooperation with the international community and hoped that urgent measures would be taken to lower greenhouse emissions into the atmosphere and that technologies would be developed as a matter of urgency to address climate change also for adaptation. Tuvalu confirmed its interest