A/HRC/12/4 Page 12 58. Latvia noted that Belize has signed almost all major human rights treaties and is committed to the protection and promotion of human rights. It raised the issue of standing invitations to special procedure mandate-holders, an issue they had also addressed as a written question before the UPR session. While no requests have been made by special procedure mandate-holders to visit Belize, it recommended that the Government consider extending a standing invitation to all special procedures of the Human Rights Council. 59. Belize stated that it aspires to the goal of timely reporting, however, further consideration of streamlining the reporting process is encouraged, taking into account the constraints that small States face. 60. Belize is undertaking a multi-agency project for the implementation of the Domestic Violence Act. Much effort has been invested in training various stakeholders, particularly the front-line implementers, in the new provisions of the Act. A comprehensive public education programme is being implemented with NGO partners. Belize is improving protection for battered women at its shelters. 61. The social assistance programme has been upgraded through the doubling of benefits received by indigent families and incorporating conditionalities, thereby establishing a partnership with families.. The majority of beneficiaries are from the rural areas, particularly in the Toledo District. Belize is actively working with the World Bank and the Inter-American Development Bank to explore modalities for strengthening its social protection systems. 62. The unemployment rate for women, particularly single mothers, is a matter of concern for the Prime Minister. As a result the Women’s Department has benefitted from an increased budgetary allocation to pilot a comprehensive and holistic project that provides skills training, job placement and family support services to single mothers in south-side Belize City. The recently completed first round is being evaluated; the results will be used to strengthen the programme and consideration will be given to implementation on a national scale. 63. The issue of use of corporal punishment on children merits thorough national debate. Nevertheless corporal punishment has already been abolished in children’s institutions. There are rules and regulations for corporal punishment in schools. The Education Act is being reviewed with a view towards full abolition. NGOs have taken an ongoing role in promoting the national dialogue on the abolition of corporal punishment in all spheres. 64. Belize reiterated the measures undertaken to implement the Supreme Court decision, including continuing dialogue, a moratorium on the issuing of licences for mining, logging or the sale or transfer of lands in the area in question and sustaining an environment of trust and confidence. 65. Belize is considering draft legislation to have birth registrations done in the health system, as a vast majority of births in Belize occur within health institutions. 66. Belize recognizes that legal representation is key to true access to justice. The Legal Aid Office has recently been enhanced to provide legal representation to the indigent. While this is a step in the right direction, Belize acknowledges that more resources need to be invested in this area.