A/HRC/16/14 18. Jamaica indicated it was practically up to date regarding its obligations under ICCPR, ICESCR, CEDAW and CRC. Capacity constraints accounted for late/outstanding reports to other treaty bodies. 19. Regarding issues related to discrimination against women and gender-based violence, Jamaica presented its record of significant accomplishments in the advancement and empowerment of women in society. Examples mentioned included the establishment of the Bureau of Women’s Affairs as early as 1974 and the fact that it had consistently had a Minister with responsibility for women’s affairs. Additionally, the status of women was protected through important legislation. 20. Jamaica noted, moreover, that Jamaican women had occupied positions at the highest political and public levels, and recalled that the country had had a female Prime Minister and that numerous high-ranking public officials were women. 21. Jamaica indicated that both boys and girls had equal access to education. However, there was a growing concern that boys were lagging behind. 22. Notwithstanding those significant achievements, Jamaica recognized the continued existence of cultural and societal biases against women. It declared the Government’s firm commitment to gender mainstreaming and indicated that a range of policy initiatives were being undertaken, including the formulation of a national policy for gender equality. 23. Regarding the legislative framework, Jamaica affirmed its commitment to bringing the country’s legal framework into compliance with the provisions of CEDAW. Jamaica highlighted the fact that key legislation had been enacted to address this, including the Domestic Violence Act (2004) and the Sexual Offences Act (2009). 24. Jamaica added that it had prioritized a strategy for combating and eradicating violence against women that included awareness-raising programmes and training in gender sensitivity for justice system personnel, teachers, health-care and social workers and the media. Those efforts had been supported by United Nations agencies, including the United Nations Development Fund for Women and the United Nations Population Fund. 25. Jamaica expressed its deep concern about allegations of extrajudicial killings by the security forces, which was shared by the Special Rapporteur on Torture, who had visited Jamaica in February, and by delegations who had posed questions on the issue. 26. Many cases had been brought before the courts for prosecution, but the paucity of convictions had raised questions. Consequently, the Government had, inter alia, enacted the Independent Commission of Investigations Act 2010; enacted the Coroner’s (Amendment) Act (2009), establishing the Office of Special Coroner to conduct inquests islandwide; enacted the Public Defender (Interim) Act (2000); and appointed a Public Defender, empowered to investigate allegations of injustice or infringement of citizens’ constitutional rights by the State. 27. Jamaica added that training in human rights was also being offered to security personnel, in collaboration with human rights non-governmental organization. In addition, the Jamaica Defence Force had put in place revised rules of engagement, focusing on a further reduction in civilian deaths. 28. Jamaica underlined its support for the work of the Public Defender, the Independent Commission on Parliament mandated to protect and enforce constitutional rights and to investigate and remedy complaints of maladministration; and had provided information about measures adopted by the Government. 29. Regarding questions raised relating to events in the Tivoli Gardens in May 2010, Jamaica stated that its report provided the background to the developments that had precipitated the action by the security forces and the actions by the Government to 5