A/HRC/17/6 74. Argentina praised Saint Lucia for the budget increase allocated to the promotion of the rights of children and the elderly. It also requested information on the possibility of introducing a formal moratorium on the death penalty and on measures taken to adjust domestic legislation to international standards in the areas of gender equality and family law. Argentina made recommendations. 75. Venezuela noted Saint Lucia’s commitment to fighting poverty and highlighted the measures taken to strengthen the Social Development Fund and the Public Assistance Programme as well as the creation of the Social Reform Council, measures aimed at supporting deprived communities and the needy. Venezuela made a recommendation. 76. Mexico recognized the commitment of Saint Lucia to reducing extreme poverty and ongoing programmes to protect children and raise the level of and access to education. Mexico made recommendations. 77. Regarding questions on the issues of crime and the death penalty, Saint Lucia clarified that the Government’s preference was to address the root causes by providing programmes and opportunities for people and encouraging young people to be active participants in society. The Government is committed to such a course of action and has made resources available to that end. Saint Lucia then reiterated information provided on efforts made to improve prison conditions and encourage the reintegration of persons in correction facilities into society. 78. Latvia appreciated the openness of Saint Lucia in the UPR process, particularly its response regarding the standing invitation to the Special Procedures. Latvia made one recommendation. 79. Costa Rica noted the efforts made by Saint Lucia, especially those aimed at establishing mandatory education for all children between 5 and 15 years old. Costa Rica made recommendations. 80. Trinidad and Tobago took note of Saint Lucia’s commitment to accede to a number of international human rights treaties and the work to develop policies regarding persons with disabilities. It expressed appreciation for the adoption of the Counter-Trafficking Act and noted the legislative actions adopted to address domestic violence. Trinidad and Tobago commended Saint Lucia for its commitment to ensure the right to a quality education and for its attainment of universal secondary education. It requested information about the HIV/AIDS in the education sector. It made recommendations. 81. Jamaica noted progress made in advancing the welfare of Saint Lucia’s citizens and in protecting vulnerable groups such as children, women, persons with disabilities and the elderly. Jamaica highlighted the importance of institutional strengthening, capacity building and resources for the implementation of international conventions. Jamaica made a recommendation. 82. Mauritius commended Saint Lucia for its efforts to improve human rights protection through the enactment of laws and implementation of policies. It acknowledged the development difficulties faced by Saint Lucia due to the global recession and the devastation of hurricane Tomas. While noting the increase of budgetary allocations for children, Mauritius took note of the lack of adequate structures and programmes to deal with the social integration of child victims of abuse, violence and exploitation. It made recommendations. 83. Portugal asked if Saint Lucia intended to amend its legal provisions to replace the death penalty with other penalties which do not include cruel, inhuman and degrading punishments. Portugal requested information about the measures taken to protect the rights of persons with disabilities. Portugal expressed concern about the high rates of sexual abuse 11