A/HRC/8/20 Page 10 47. Following the questions, the representative of Ecuador stated that in order to comply with the Paris Principles, Ecuador set up the Ministry of Justice and of Human Rights. Ecuador noted that the rule of law is essential for the respect for human rights and that the system of national justice is the first guarantor of these rights. This system ensures any punishment for violation of human rights and sets the national plan for citizen security and increases the capacity of the police. Ecuador noted that a training programme has been set up to develop the practical capacity of the police in the area of human rights. 48. Ecuador noted its progress in relation to social and economic rights, and that their health and employment policies cover various groups such as indigenous peoples, afro-descendants, migrants and the elderly, in a gender perspective. 49. Ecuador noted that two policies of the Government related to education and health. In 2005 a 10-year education plan was developed and its basic purpose is to provide universal basic education. Ecuador noted progress in budget allocation to 38 per cent. Barriers to school entry have been reduced, programmes have been initiated such as the school textbook programme, which aims to cover 1.3 million children and ensures cultural diversity. This includes bilingual textbooks in indigenous languages. Free school uniforms are also provided. Fifteen thousand new jobs have been created for teachers and there is a strict planning in the education system, as well as increase in investments in education, including in infrastructure and a larger number of teachers trained. 50. As regards the health care system, Ecuador noted a real revolution. Basic health teams provided house-by-house care. Ecuador transferred considerable resources to provide equipment and to improve the infrastructure. Free provision of generic health care drugs is taking place. The Government also established a programme to eradicate child malnutrition. 51. As regards the incentive to work, the social unit has a comprehensive territorial programme to coordinate these activities. Ecuador noted economic development in this area, including the public procurement programmes providing work for afro-descendent population. 52. Ecuador notes that the Constitution guarantees equality between women and men. A commission has been set up to ensure these provisions. Ecuador recognized current shortcomings and noted that the new Constitution will serve as a foundation to address the equality issue. Ecuador noted the need for support from the women’s movement and to coordinate demands for the new constitution. Greater participation of women at the assembly and local levels is needed, as well as to strengthen relevant institutions, the main one of which being the Planning Secretary, which mainstreams cross-cutting gender perspectives through public policies, and the National Council for Women, which includes civil society organizations to have greater impact on public policy, as well as to increase budget allocation for women’s affairs. Ecuador noted that gender perspective is a priority in all policies. It highlighted the participation of the social movement in preparing reports and developing equal opportunity plans. 53. As regards the social and economic inclusion of the elderly, Ecuador has developed a relevant public policy and a new system for managing comprehensive programmes and creating conditions for comprehensive care in 64 geriatric units as well as training programmes for community-based services. It is implementing this policy together with private sector institutions, carrying out comprehensive care programmes through homes, and also providing food on a daily basis. Ecuador is providing homes for the elderly deprived of liberty and it has also created the first research institute for gerontology. 54. On the questions of treatment of migrants, the delegation indicated that in 2007 a National Secretariat for Migrants was set up and is conducting a policy which places the human person at its