A/HRC/17/6 Within the current facility programmes are offered in three areas: Education, Skills Development and Counselling. 37. With regards to detention of inmates awaiting trial, Saint Lucia indicated that the new Criminal Procedure Rules of 2008 establish effective processes for the active management of criminal cases, which greatly assists with expediting cases through the system. 38. Regarding the death penalty, Saint Lucia stated that it is reserved for the most heinous crimes. It added that, whilst Saint Lucia has exercised a de facto abolitionist position in the last 15 years, having not performed any executions, it is not presently in a position to move towards an express moratorium on the use of the death penalty, or its abolition. Recognizing that Saint Lucia is a constitutional democracy, it must be stated that in recent times, due to the upsurge in certain crime, nationals have in fact been calling for a revival of use of the death penalty. Further it is the understanding of Saint Lucia that use of the death penalty does not contravene international law. 39. Saint Lucia stated that its most daunting challenge is the lack of financial and technical resources required to fully cater to the human rights needs of our people. 40. It reiterated, however, that its lack of resources will not detract from its pursuit of the full enjoyment of human rights by its population. 41. Finally, Saint Lucia stated that that, while no requests have been made by Special Procedures mandate holders to visit Saint Lucia, it would have no difficulty issuing a standing invitation for visits. B. Interactive dialogue and responses by the State under review 42. During the interactive dialogue, 36 delegations made statements. The delegation of Saint Lucia was thanked for its frank presentation of the report, for responses to advance questions and for Saint Lucia’s constructive engagement in the universal periodic review process. Recommendations made during the dialogue are found in section II of the present report. 43. Algeria acknowledged the progress achieved by Saint Lucia in attaining the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) despite the difficulties it faces as a developing island state. It noted that Saint Lucia is not a party to some key international human rights instruments. It noted that the HIV/AIDS was a development problem in the region and that a significant part of the urban population of the island lives in slums. Algeria made recommendations. 44. Cuba acknowledged the progress made by Saint Lucia in terms of human rights, particularly its commitment to reduce poverty and to achieve socio-economic development. Cuba noted the determination of Saint Lucia to ensure the right to universal education; the health measures taken, which have improved the access to health care; and the actions taken in the field of women’s rights, people with disabilities and the elderly. Cuba made recommendations. 45. Chile noted that poverty constituted the most important social problem in Saint Lucia. It thus commended the commitment of the authorities to continuing to strengthen social programmes aimed at the most vulnerable groups. Chile also recalled that it was working with the CARICOM countries to better cope with the vulnerabilities they face due to natural disasters. Chile made recommendations. 46. Morocco praised the commitment of Saint Lucia to development, democracy and respect for human rights. It also noted the island’s efforts aimed at reducing poverty and 7