A/HRC/16/2 community to support the efforts of the Marshall Islands to overcome the obstacles hindering the fulfilment of its human rights obligations. 602. Cuba was pleased to note that the Marshall Islands had accepted its recommendations, in particular with regard to the continuation of programmes and measures to ensure the enjoyment of the right to education and the right to health. Cuba welcomed the policies and programmes adopted by the Government and encouraged it to continue its efforts to mitigate the negative impact of climate change, in particular with regard to the full enjoyment of all human rights. The effects of climate change were indeed a reason for concern with regard to areas such a nutrition, education and health. Cuba also encouraged the Marshall Islands to continue the implementation of measures to promote and protect the human rights of its people. 603. New Zealand welcomed the intention of the Marshall Islands to address the matter of ratification of major international human rights instruments, and that it was actively pursuing the problem of violence against women, while conceding that further efforts were needed. In the area of children’s rights, it noted the information that a review of child protection legislation was under way, with the assistance of UNICEF. It noted that the review would help to identify gaps in child protection, as well as measures to address them. New Zealand welcomed these responses while acknowledging the limited resources of the Marshall Islands as a small State. 604. Maldives welcomed the decision by the Marshall Islands to support most of the recommendations made, including those that it had made. With regard to challenges and vulnerabilities resulting from climate change, Maldives applauded the acceptance by the Marshall Islands to take a rights-based approach to adaptation, and welcomed the information provided on the holistic approach taken. Maldives called on the international community to assist the Marshall Islands in its efforts to improve the human rights situation. Finally, it stressed the importance of working with the international community to explore the benefits of opening a mission in Geneva. 3. General comments made by other relevant stakeholders 605. The World Association for the School as an Instrument of Peace encouraged the Marshall Islands to ratify core human rights conventions. It recommended that the Marshall Islands should issue a standing invitation to special procedures and offer to assist in future visits by mandate holders. It emphasized the importance of human rights education, which should become a part of the curriculum. It hoped that the Marshall Islands would partner with regional and international non-governmental organizations and institutions of higher education to develop positive curriculum models. It noted that many non-governmental organizations in the region were interested in a regional human rights body for the Pacific, and hoped that the Marshall Islands would participate. The Association also highlighted environmental and health issues, in particular as a result of past nuclear testing and in connection with climate change, and stressed the importance of a human rights-based approach to adaptation. 606. United Nations Watch welcomed and encouraged the commitment of the Marshall Islands to accept virtually all recommendations, including in particular the recommendations to ensure that human rights are afforded full legal protection; that legislation and policies on women’s rights and the elimination of violence against women be prioritized; that human rights organizations be actively involved in the follow-up to the review; and that existing laws be reviewed and revised to ensure that they are nondiscriminatory. With regard to international engagement on human rights, United Nations Watch noted that the Marshall Islands had consistently stood against aiding and abetting selectivity and for upholding equality, non-discrimination and the promotion of peace. GE.11-17059 191