A/HRC/25/13 subjected to spirited debate. Thereafter, the final report had been submitted to Cabinet, the highest policy body of the Government, which had given its unqualified endorsement. 7. Belize was a small, developing country with a population of about 316,000 people. It faced all the challenges of a small State: vulnerability to exogenous shocks, dependence on eroding preferential terms of trade, the vagaries of climate change, and high external debt. 8. According to the recent Living Standards Measurement Survey, household poverty increased from 25 per cent in 2002 to 33 per cent in 2009 and the indigence rate increased from 10.8 per cent to 15.8 per cent. 9. Belize was a multicultural society, with diverse groups coexisting peacefully. A total of 64 per cent of its population were under the age of 29. Belize had a low population density, with the majority of the population residing in rural areas, including at remote locations. 10. Belize was proud of its democratic traditions and the fundamental freedoms that were enshrined in its Constitution. Labour union activism and citizen participation were defining features of its colonial and post-independence history. Respect for rule of law and judicial independence were hallmarks of its judiciary. 11. Belize was a party to the majority of international human rights treaties, including the regional human rights treaties of the inter-American system. The Government took seriously its obligation to implement the treaties. To that end, a number of national laws formed the framework of the national human rights regime. That national framework was anchored firmly in the Constitution, which affirmed the human rights and fundamental freedoms of all Belizeans and the equal and inalienable rights of all persons. 12. At the frontline of the Government’s efforts to promote and protect human rights was the Ministry of Human Development, Social Transformation and Poverty Alleviation. Four quasi-governmental agencies had specialized functions with the purpose of ensuring the protection of key vulnerable populations. The National Committee for Families and Children was tasked with monitoring the implementation of the Convention on the Rights of the Child (CRC). The National AIDS Commission coordinated a multi-stakeholder response aimed at addressing the policy, legislative and practical challenges relating to HIV/AIDS. The National Council on Ageing advocated for the rights of older persons. The National Women’s Commission oversaw the implementation of the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination against Women and the Convention of Belem do Para (Inter-American Convention on the Prevention, Punishment, and Eradication of Violence against Women), as well as the implementation of the revised National Gender Policy. 13. Following on recommendations received during the first review, the Government had moved to strengthen the Office of the Ombudsman, which had independent powers to investigate citizen complaints and seek redress. The Office of the Ombudsman continued to enjoy the confidence of Belizeans as evidenced by the number of persons who accessed the Office. 14. The Government had also invested significantly in strengthening the Legal Aid Office, both in terms of resources and capacity. Belize hoped to expand the services of the Legal Aid Office to all districts and to employ an attorney dedicated to juvenile justice. 15. Civil society also played an important role in promoting and protecting human rights. Civil society advocacy work had been instrumental in sustaining a national discussion about the rights of citizens, the national human rights framework and the role of Government. 4