A/HRC/23/11 79. Singapore noted significant progress in Barbados in ensuring human rights, maintaining a high Human Development Index, literacy rate, level of transparency and a robust anti-corruption regime. It also noted efforts to eliminate violence and discrimination against women and combat human trafficking, especially the adoption of legislative and institutional measures. Singapore made recommendations. 80. Slovakia commended Government efforts to upgrade the Ombudsman’s Office in line with international standards, revise the Constitution and update national legislation to conform to its treaty obligations. It welcomed the increase in primary school enrolments, the development of educational programmes for HIV/AIDS prevention and a project to provide technology services and support for blind or visually impaired persons. Slovakia made recommendations. 81. Slovenia noted steps taken to promote women’s empowerment and advance gender equality. It welcomed, particularly, the training programmes and awareness raising activities of the Bureau of Gender Affairs. It regretted that no legislation had been adopted to decriminalize consensual sexual relations between adults of the same sex. It remained concerned about corporal punishment as a legitimate sanction in Barbadian law. Slovenia made recommendations. 82. South Africa commended efforts to empower women and promote gender equality, particularly through the Bureau of Gender Affairs. The collaboration between the Ministry of Labour and Social Security and UN-Women was an example of positive engagement between the United Nations and a Member State. South Africa made recommendations. 83. Spain highlighted initiatives taken by Barbados to eliminate discrimination against persons with disabilities and the creation of a special unit within the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to deal with human rights, which would provide an effective means of guaranteeing sustained cooperation with international bodies on human rights issues. Spain made recommendations. 84. Sri Lanka acknowledged positive developments made by Barbados since the last review and welcomed efforts to promote children’s rights and gender equality, to combat domestic violence, poverty and trafficking in persons. It noted measures to counter racial discrimination, particularly in schools, and acknowledged that progress had been made despite the global economic downturn, which had adversely affected Barbados. Sri Lanka made recommendations. 85. Viet Nam took note of developments since Barbados’ previous review. It noted initiatives taken to combat racial discrimination and trafficking in persons and to promote gender equality. It shared Barbados’ concern as highlighted in its national report about the importance of safeguarding the economic and social rights of the most vulnerable groups during the economic recession. Viet Nam made recommendations. 86. Trinidad and Tobago underscored efforts made by Barbados since its last review, to promote, protect and uphold human rights, including the signing of ILO Convention No. 189, initiatives to promote ratification of the CRPD, actions to revise the Constitution and update legislation to conform with treaty obligations, the review of all laws directly related to the family and children and, the enhancement of the human resources in the Bureau of Gender Affairs. It made a recommendation. 87. The United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland noted the ongoing commitment to the protection and promotion of human rights. It urged Barbados to take prompt action to tackle the issue of violence against women and children. It also urged Barbados to ensure that a Human Rights Advisory Committee be set up to oversee the establishment of the national human rights institution. While welcoming the de facto 12