A/HRC/33/13 Barbuda for having ratified the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities, in line with the recommendation to that effect that Slovenia had previously made. It noted there was no systemized approach to implementing the country’s human rights obligations and commitments, no gender policy and no policy against child sexual abuse. It regretted that the Sexual Offences Act of 1995 criminalized sexual relations between consenting adults of the same sex, but did not acknowledge marital rape. Slovenia made recommendations. 58. South Africa recognized that, despite the constraints faced, Antigua and Barbuda had registered a number of notable achievements, including the implementation of policies and plans for social and economic development and the alleviation of poverty. It noted that Antigua and Barbuda had been ranked favourably in the Human Development Index and welcomed the country’s efforts in launching the International Decade for People of African Descent. It encouraged Antigua and Barbuda to continue all efforts to promote, protect and fulfil all human rights, including the right to development. South Africa made recommendations. 59. Spain congratulated Antigua and Barbuda on its recent ratification of the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities and encouraged it to continue in that vein. Spain considered respect for the principle of non-discrimination on the grounds of sexual orientation as essential. Spain made recommendations. 60. Trinidad and Tobago noted the progress made by Antigua and Barbuda since the first universal periodic review cycle. Trinidad and Tobago congratulated the Government on ratifying the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities, and on its efforts to mainstream the differently abled in the education system and to provide the necessary support in the areas of mobility and transportation. Trinidad and Tobago applauded the improvement of health services for the population and recognized the need for Antigua and Barbuda to bolster its legislation on trafficking in persons and children. Trinidad and Tobago made a recommendation. 61. The United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland thanked the delegation for responding to the questions submitted in advance. It welcomed the engagement of Antigua and Barbuda with the universal periodic review process. It acknowledged the Government’s commitment to human rights and the progress made in spite of the challenges that small island developing States faced in implementing their international human rights obligations. It welcomed the steps that had been taken to address the issue of sexual violence and encouraged the Government to seek ways to increase the number of cases that were successfully prosecuted. The United Kingdom made recommendations. 62. The United States of America noted the efforts of Antigua and Barbuda to eliminate violence and discrimination against persons with HIV/AIDS, especially among the police forces. It recognized administrative efforts to provide prisoners with adequate complaint mechanisms but remained concerned about the harsh, overcrowded conditions in Her Majesty’s Prison. It also noted the high incidence of violence against women, especially spousal abuse and sexual harassment, and the existence of laws that criminalized same-sex sexual activity between consenting adults. The United States made recommendations. 63. Uruguay welcomed the implementation of social policies to reduce poverty and meet the needs of the most vulnerable groups. Uruguay regretted that no special procedure mandate holder had visited Antigua and Barbuda in recent years and invited the country to request technical assistance to increase its cooperation with the international machinery. Uruguay was concerned that the legal framework authorized the use of corporal punishment and that someone who had committed a crime while under the age of 18 could be sentenced to life imprisonment. Uruguay invited the Government to review this legislation. It encouraged Antigua and Barbuda to adopt a national gender policy and to strengthen GE.16-10597 11