A/HRC/18/14 intentions to ratify the International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights, the Convention against Torture and Other Cruel, Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment and the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities and measures to prevent violence against women and children, including domestic violence and trafficking. Brazil made recommendations. 45. Spain emphasized the efforts made by Samoa in adopting the Strategy for the Development of Samoa for 2008-2012 and its co-sponsoring of the joint statement on ending acts of violence and related human rights violations based on sexual orientation and gender identity recently adopted by the Human Rights Council. Spain inquired about measures taken to promote the participation of women in political and social life due to their low representation in the Parliament and the Cabinet, and about measures taken to allow all Samoan citizens to run in parliamentary elections. Spain made recommendations. 46. Slovakia acknowledged the vulnerability of Samoa to natural disasters and commended its commitment to establish a legal framework for refugee protection. It noted poor prison conditions and inmates being subjected to physical or sexual abuse. It also noted the concerns of the Committee on the Rights of the Child regarding the low age for criminal responsibility, the potential exposure of children to sexual exploitation given the growing tourism industry, and the growing number of working children. Slovakia made recommendations. 47. Mexico welcomed the significant efforts made to improve the human rights situation, particularly those towards the establishment of a national human rights institution. Mexico noted the prevailing economic constraints and inquired whether Samoa intended to seek international assistance to speed up the process to acceding to international instruments and to adapt national legislation accordingly. Mexico made recommendations. 48. China acknowledged comprehensive measures taken by Samoa to promote and protect human rights and adhere to human rights treaties. China noted that Samoa was actively safeguarding the rights of vulnerable groups, including women and persons with disabilities, and recognized its endeavor to improve peoples’ social and cultural well-being and the importance accorded to health. China acknowledged the challenges faced by Samoa as a developing country, especially challenges to meeting its reporting obligations, and called on the international community to provide all necessary assistance. 49. The United States of America commended the successful 2011 general elections, the commitment of Samoa to a free and fair electoral process and the role of an independent and vigorous press. The United States commended Samoa for reconsidering laws that restricted the human rights of individuals based on their sexual orientation; for attempting to address prison overcrowding; and for continuing to combat domestic violence. It expressed concern at reported police abuses and at governmental statements suggesting that the freedom of religion might be restricted, notwithstanding the final report of a commission of inquiry on freedom of religion, which was still pending. The United States made recommendations. 50. Maldives noted the challenges faced by Samoa regarding human rights protection and promotion, given its size and capacity constraints. It also noted that the rich culture of Samoa was supportive of safeguarding human rights and acknowledged the country’s commitment to incorporate international obligations into domestic law. It sought information on gender-mainstreaming efforts and the impact of climate change on human rights. Maldives made recommendations. 51. The United Kingdom welcomed the prominence given by Samoa to human rights despite the capacity and resource challenges. It hoped that the consultation with civil society would continue in the UPR follow-up process. It noted the country’s efforts to address gender discrimination and urged Samoa to ensure that customs did not prevail over 9