A/HRC/23/11 for other cases, there were a number of poverty eradication programmes. The later include a number of programmes aimed at the youth. 97. With respect to ratification of the Convention against Torture and the International Convention for the Protection of All Persons from Enforced Disappearance, Barbados reiterated that it was difficult to ratify new treaties and that it faced many challenges in complying with its reporting obligations. Torture was illegal under the law though there had been no allegations of torture. Similarly, there were no cases of forced disappearance but such acts would be covered under the Offences Against the Person Act. 98. Barbados thanked all who participated in its universal periodic review and in particular those who made recommendations on its way forward. It ensured that Barbados would give considered thought to the suggestions and recommendations received. It also thanked all of those who had contributed to the Trust Fund for Small Island Developing States. Barbados noted that the review process has permitted it to hold broad consultations within the country and carry out an assessment of what had been accomplished and areas where more needed to be done. It highlighted efforts made in areas such as the elderly and the young, achievements in areas such as gender equality and progress in the area of the rights of the disabled. 99. The delegation stated that Barbados had a reputation for the recognition of human rights and its support for the human rights system. It reaffirmed its commitment to furthering human rights. It noted that the Advisory Board on Governance, chaired by the head of the delegation, had produced several draft Bills covering, inter alia, freedom of information and the revision of the Ombudsman Act to make the Office of the Ombudsman independent. Additionally, Bills had been drafted on the prevention of corruption, primarily in the public sector and amending the Defamation Act to make it possible to utter honest opinions about public figures without risking being charged with defamation. 100. Barbados had also created a social partnership, which represents a process of continuous consultation between the Government, the private sector and labour, which had averted numerous strike actions or arbitrary dismissals of workers or the simple abuse of ordinary workers. This model was considered so effective that two other countries were attempting to copy it. 101. In conclusion, Barbados stressed that its size had forced it to focus in a way that countries with greater resources did not need to. Though it may be slower in reporting or enacting legislation, it always tried to ensure that what was achieved was the best practice possible. II. Conclusions and/or recommendations** 102. The recommendations will be examined by Barbados which will provide responses in due time, but no later than the 23rd session of the Human Rights Council in June 2013. 102.1. Consider ratifying Convention against Torture and Other Cruel, Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment (CAT) (Chile); 102.2. Consider ratifying CAT and OP-CAT; the International Convention on the Protection of the Rights of All Migrant Workers and Members of their Families (ICRMW); and the Protocol to Prevent Suppress and Punish ** Conclusions and recommendations have not been edited. 14