A/HRC/10/84 Page 7 26. Slovenia noted that, according to the United Nations Development Assistance Framework report, Tuvalu generally respects the human rights of its citizens and that society is largely egalitarian, while some forms of discrimination exist, particularly with regard to women. While welcoming the State’s cooperation with the Committee on the Elimination of Discrimination against Women, Slovenia was concerned that, owing to traditional values, the Constitution does not recognize freedom from discrimination on the grounds of gender. It noted that women are consequently lawfully subject to various forms of discrimination, namely a subordinate role and limited job opportunities. Slovenia was particularly concerned about the discrimination that women face in laws relating to land inheritance. Slovenia asked about measures taken to review all relevant laws that discriminate or have a negative impact on women and to bring them into line with the standards of the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination against Women. Slovenia noted that Tuvalu had only ratified the latter Convention and the Convention on the Rights of the Child of the international human rights treaties. Slovenia recommended that Tuvalu consider ratifying other key treaties, particularly the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights and the International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights. 27. Italy stated that the review process is a useful opportunity for Tuvalu to directly experience the functioning of the international human rights system. It noted from the compilation report prepared by OHCHR that, in some parts of the territory, there are limitations to freedom of religion and worship. Italy was interested in learning what measures the Government intends to take to ensure that all religious groups receive equitable treatment, in particular with regard to access to State-owned information media, which play a fundamental role in reaching people living on the outer islands. Italy recommended the accession of Tuvalu to the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights and the International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights. Italy also recommended that Tuvalu incorporate fully into its legislation the provisions of the Convention on the Rights of the Child to enhance the protection of children’s rights in the country. 28. New Zealand noted that Tuvalu generally respects the human rights of Tuvaluans, particularly under the 1986 Constitution. It noted the absence of an independent human rights body responsible for promoting and protecting human rights, including raising awareness of human rights, and asked whether Tuvalu planned to address this institutional gap. New Zealand recommended that Tuvalu consider appointing an Ombudsman with responsibility for investigating alleged violations of human rights as a short-term measure. It noted that this model had been employed successfully by other small Pacific countries with capacity constraints. New Zealand remained concerned about the subordinate position of women in society, and noted that the 1986 Constitution does not specifically prohibit discrimination against women. New Zealand strongly recommended that Tuvalu amend the Constitution to include freedom from discrimination on the grounds of sex. New Zealand also recommended that Tuvalu develop a comprehensive strategy to reduce domestic violence, including raising public awareness of the issue and identifying ways to combat such violence. It also noted that Tuvaluan law does not prohibit discrimination on the basis of physical, mental, intellectual or sensory impairment. New Zealand recommended that Tuvalu amend the Constitution to prohibit discrimination against persons with disabilities. 29. Mexico appreciated the commitment of Tuvalu to achieving the Millennium Development Goals, many of which had already been met. Mexico appreciated that Tuvalu does not count with military expenses and that customary law is recognized in its’ legal system, nevertheless norms that could be perceived as a violation of human rights are excluded from the