A/HRC/12/4 Page 7 possibility of establishing a national human rights institution in conformity with the Paris Principles. 35. The Netherlands referred to the actions taken with regard to good governance mentioned in the national report, such as the new Prevention of Corruption Act, and the fact that Belize is party to the Inter-American Convention Against Corruption. It said, however, that recent international reports indicate that corruption is still a problem for Belize. It welcomed efforts with regard to women’s rights, including the 2005 launch of the sexual and reproductive health policy, but said further efforts were needed to combat maternal mortality, noting that in 2007 the Committee on the Elimination of Discrimination against Women had expressed concern about the high maternal mortality rate, urging Belize to take measures in this regard. It recommended that Belize (a) continue to strengthen its efforts to ensure that all police and security officers receive human rights training; (b) look into the possible ratification of the United Nations Convention Against Corruption; (c) take further concrete measures to enhance women's access to health care, in particular to sexual and reproductive services, as recommended by, among others, the Committee on the Elimination of Discrimination against Women; (d) strengthen its efforts with regard to timely reporting to United Nations human rights treaty bodies. 36. The Russian Federation noted with satisfaction that since 1999 the country had had an independent ombudsman, and asked what main difficulties this body had faced in carrying out its activities. Secondly, it noted that the central prison is managed by a non-profit, nongovernmental organization, and enquired if there is any public or State control over this organization’s action. Finally, highlighting that 6 per cent of Belize’s population suffer from some kind of disability, and that nevertheless there is no law which directly addresses protection of the rights of this category of the population, Russia asked if the Government planned to formulate such a law. 37. Italy acknowledged Belize’s progress in the field of human rights promotion and protection. With regard to the death penalty, Italy commended Belize for its longstanding de facto moratorium on executions, recommending that the Government (a) consider the complete abolition of capital punishment in its internal legislation. With regard to reported episodes of police abuse and violence, it recommended (b) that further efforts be deployed in training security forces in the field of human rights; (c) that allegations of misconduct, abuse and violence by public agents be duly and promptly investigated; and (d) that adequate action be taken against those responsible for such crimes. Noting the request for legislative measures to fully guarantee the rights of sexual minorities, and in connection with the rights of persons living with HIV/AIDS, Italy recommended that Belize (e) take appropriate legislative measures in order to ensure that no person can be subject to criminal sanctions for same-sex activity between consenting adults. 38. Ukraine recognized progress achieved so far, especially in the promotion of women's rights. Noting concerns of the Committee on the Elimination of Discrimination against Women on widespread poverty among women, particularly in rural areas and among Mayan women, it asked what measures had been undertaken to fulfill the recommendations made by the Committee in this connection. It noted that HIV/AIDS is the most serious social and health problem facing the country. It recommended that Belize (a) continue to implement the recommendations made by the Committee and on a regular basis submit the relevant reports for its consideration; (b) further strengthen activities to prevent the spread of HIV and stigmatization and discrimination against people living with HIV.