A/HRC/18/14 the obligation to guarantee gender equality. It welcomed the proactive efforts made to address violence against women and children, and urged Samoa to pass the Family Safety Bill. The United Kingdom made recommendations. 52. Indonesia noted that Samoa was the first Pacific Island country to gain independence in 1962 and acknowledged its culture, known as “fa’asomoa”, which promoted and protected human rights by providing the foundation of a peaceful and cohesive society. Indonesia further noted that the Constitution guaranteed the rights to life, to personal liberty, to fair trial, to freedom of religion, to speech, to assembly and association and to the freedom from inhumane treatment and from forced labour. Noting remaining challenges, Indonesia made recommendations. 53. South Africa appreciated the steps undertaken to establish an independent national human rights institution and encouraged Samoa to continue to make that a priority objective with the necessary resources. South Africa noted that gender violence and discrimination against women were major challenges and inquired about the effectiveness of the steps being taken to address that serious challenge. South Africa made recommendations. 54. Costa Rica recognized the efforts of Samoa to protect and promote human rights, and particularly the progress made in areas such as health and education. Noting the country’s efforts towards achieving equality for and non-discrimination against women, Costa Rica underlined the many remaining challenges in this regard. Costa Rica sought information on measures to mitigate the costs and effects of climate change on the full enjoyment of human rights. Costa Rica made recommendations. 55. Nicaragua recognized the steps taken towards human rights promotion despite budgetary constraints. Noting the economic constraints of Samoa, Nicaragua wanted to share its experience in guaranteeing economic, social and cultural rights through the implementation of alternative strategies based on community action, women’s empowerment and citizen’s participation in decision-making. Nicaragua stated that the UPR would help Samoa in building up a legislative and institutional framework. Nicaragua made recommendations. 56. Ecuador acknowledged the efforts made by Samoa in implementing international standards for ensuring, respecting and promoting human rights. Ecuador made recommendations. 57. Morocco noted a number of achievements made, particularly in human rights awareness-raising, the adhesion to a number of core human rights instruments and improvements made in the recognition of the rights of women to education, employment, and economic, social and political resources. Morocco underlined that Samoa would reach its goals only with international technical and financial assistance. Morocco made recommendations. 58. Ireland noted with appreciation that Samoa was drafting a strategic plan on the requirements for establishing a human rights commission. Acknowledging the 1988 establishment of the Ombudsman Office, Ireland was concerned at inadequate public awareness of the role of the Office and sought information on remedial measures, including heightening its profile. Ireland welcomed the establishment of the Professional Standards Unit to provide training to the Police on addressing violence against women and children and inquired about measures envisaged to eradicate those phenomena. Ireland commended the establishment of a commission of inquiry to investigate alleged violations of religious freedom. Ireland made a recommendation. 59. The Philippines acknowledged the steps taken by Samoa to strengthen the promotion and protection of human rights and commended Samoa for having ratified a number of international human rights instruments. It noted the possible establishment of a 10