A/HRC/18/7 75. Maldives noted that the Seychelles Strategy 2017, which follows a human rights approach, produced visible developmental results across the country. It recognized the State’s progressive approach to human rights challenges, as enshrined in the Seychellois Charter of Fundamental Human Rights and Freedoms. It stated its belief that Seychelles should be congratulated on its unique methodological approach, which included a refreshing awareness to the interrelated nature of human rights and sustainable development. Maldives made recommendations. 76. Mexico welcomed the commitment of Seychelles to reducing maternal and child mortality rates, improving the levels of education and combating discrimination against children and adults with disabilities. It commended the abolition of death penalty and the establishment of the National Human Rights Commission. Mexico sought information on the technical assistance required by the Seychelles from the international community to ensure effective implementation of the conventions it had ratified. Mexico made recommendations. 77. Spain noted in particular the establishment of the National Human Rights Commission and commended the efforts of the Seychelles on human rights training and awareness-raising and its cooperation with OHCHR to present its reports to treaty bodies. While noting that Seychelles was a party to most human rights instruments, it was concerned that it had not presented its initial report to the Human Rights Committee, due in 1993. Spain made recommendations. 78. Trinidad and Tobago appreciated the challenges faced by Seychelles, a small island developing State, with respect to the advancement of human rights. Environmental protection was seen as a means of survival and central to the sustainable development policy of Seychelles. It was pleased that Seychelles had decided to ratify the Rome Statute. The growing spread of HIV/AIDS among young people was a matter of concern. Stronger preventive measures might be required. It made a recommendation. 79. India noted that the access to education and primary school enrolment for both boys and girls was at an impressive 100 per cent and adult literacy rate stood at 96 per cent. It noted that the rate of HIV/AIDS prevalence had multiplied by 25 in the last 20 years and that the number cases had tripled. It took note of the antiretroviral treatment delivered free of charge and sought information on awareness-raising efforts through targeted campaigns. It encouraged Seychelles to ensure that its National Human Rights Commission was in full compliance with the Paris Principles and to pursue its efforts to ratify OP-CRC-SC. 80. The United Kingdom welcomed the strong human rights commitment of Seychelles. It was concerned about limited freedom of expression in the media. While welcoming the establishment of the Media Commission, the United Kingdom noted that more could be done to ensure its independence. It encouraged the strengthening of the National Human Rights Commission, and noted the non-representation of civil society. While recognizing the establishment of the internal affairs bureau, it would welcome an independent police complaints commission. It welcomed that Seychelles recognized the need to ensure its legislation was compatible with the Constitution. The United Kingdom made recommendations. 81. On HIV/AIDS, the delegation of Seychelles reported that the Ministry of Health had a Preventing Mother to Child Transmission Programme for pregnant women. The first generation policy/strategy/plan of action was currently under review and the second generation would be defined before the end of 2011. 82. Seychelles noted that it was not aware of any difficulty regarding access to safe drinking water on outer islands. 11