A/HRC/17/6 cards for the elderly; consistently high child-immunization coverage; reduction in the incidence of communicable diseases and increased focus on non-communicable diseases; and the establishment of a New Mental Wellness Centre, fully equipped, which will allow for a significant improvement in the clinical management and rehabilitation of patients. Additionally a new Mental Health Act has been drafted. 18. A National HIV/AIDS Strategic Plan has also been implemented providing: free antiretroviral drugs for all HIV/AIDS clients; free voluntary counselling and treatment services at all health facilities; mother-to-child prevention of transmission programme; and support for orphans and children living with HIV/AIDs. 19. In addition, a National Assessment on HIV/AIDS Law, Ethics, and Human Rights was implemented and a Human Rights Desk under the guidance of the Aids Action Foundation established. 20. Regarding children, Saint Lucia stated it aimed to provide special safeguards and care to ensure the well-being of the child from the earliest stages of life so that the child is able to fully enjoy his/her rights through all stages of childhood. Consequently, efforts have been focused on inter alia: enhancing prenatal and post-natal care, ensuring the provision of skilled birth attendants and emergency obstetric care, elimination of childhood illnesses and the enhancement of early childhood care and education. 21. Saint Lucia stated that a major risk factor for children in the country is the breakdown of family life and the absence of the father in the home. This has been identified by many studies as one of the major causes of social disintegration and has a profound negative effect on children, predisposing them to crime and increasing their risk for other antisocial behaviour. Interventions therefore are focused on building strong, healthy families, which are recognized as “the fundamental group unit of society and the natural environment for the growth and well-being of its members and more particularly of children” (UDHR 16(3) (CRC preamble). 22. Saint Lucia referred to numerous measures adopted to address this situation. 23. Saint Lucia also stated that a new transit home for children who are victims of child abuse and neglect has been constructed, which is now being operationalized. Additionally, a Draft Policy and Operations Manual for the Registration, Guidance, and Inspection of Children’s Homes has been developed. 24. Saint Lucia indicated that there have been improvements in conditions at the Boys Training Centre, which accommodates boys in conflict with the law as well as those in need of care and protection. Budgetary allocations have also been made to provide a building to house juvenile girls. 25. Regarding education, Saint Lucia stated that tremendous strides have been made in 31 years: from three secondary schools accommodating the most privileged of the population, to universal secondary education. The Education Act of 1999 governs the education system and makes education compulsory for all between the ages of five and fifteen. It further prohibits the refusal of admission of children into school on any discriminatory grounds. 26. It was indicated that a number of programmes, including textbook rental, school meals, and a transportation subsidy programme have been implemented at most secondary schools. All teenage mothers are allowed to return to school after the birth of their children. 27. Saint Lucia indicated that it has achieved universal primary and secondary education. It was added that, by reason of constraints it faces, Saint Lucia would welcome partners in the education system. 5