A/HRC/10/84 Page 5 17. Tuvalu believed that the 1951 Convention relating to the Status of Refugees was not relevant to the country. The Government stands ready, if necessary, to act appropriately within its limited capacities. 18. While stressing that Tuvalu has no objection to the substance of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights and the International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights, the Government did not have the resources required to report on or implement these and many other international conventions. If provided with resources, the ratification would be a matter of course. On the question of the ratification of the Optional Protocol to the Convention against Torture and Other Cruel, Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment, the Government was not aware of any cases of torture in Tuvalu. 19. Tuvalu would certainly consider extending invitations to special procedures mandateholders provided that it does not create extra financial burden on the State. 20. Acutely aware of the impact of climate change on human rights, Tuvalu reported on its participation and active engagement in various forums, including the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change and the Kyoto Protocol. In 2007, Tuvalu produced a national blueprint on climate change and will continue to pursue all avenues to ensure that the effects of climate change do not affect the rights of Tuvaluans to their existence and remain on their islands. B. Interactive dialogue and responses by the State under review 21. During the interactive dialogue, statements were made by 23 delegations. A number of delegations thanked the Government for the comprehensive and transparent national report, and its clear presentation and responses to advance questions on the human rights situation in Tuvalu. Statements were made welcoming Tuvalu’s commitment to the universal periodic review process, its constructive participation and the noteworthy and extensive consultations with stakeholders in the preparation of the national report. A number of delegations praised the State’s efforts to improve its human rights situation and also appreciated its development challenges as a small island State and its vulnerability to climate change. 22. Switzerland welcomed the State’s very good performance in covering the basic needs of the population with virtually universal access to basic health care and education. It observed that women’s rights are not sufficiently protected and promoted in national legislation, particularly when it comes to marriage, divorce, custody of children and inheritance. Switzerland recommended that Tuvalu eliminate any legislation that discriminates against women, implement the relevant recommendations of the Committee on the Elimination of Discrimination against Women and introduce a gender-specific dimension in the anti-discrimination provision of the Constitution. It also noted that Tuvalu has only ratified two international human rights treaties. Switzerland recommended that Tuvalu ratify, in particular, the International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights, the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights and the Convention against Torture. While non-ratification is primarily due to the technical difficulties involved in reporting to treaty bodies, Switzerland stated that it stands ready to provide technical assistance in the preparation of such reports. Switzerland welcomed additional information on the constitutional Charter of Rights in Tuvalu, which allows for limitations and restrictions when certain practices threaten the State’s values. More detailed information was requested on the types of practices involved and what restrictions would apply. It commended Tuvalu on its efforts to mitigate the effects of climate change on the enjoyment of human rights,