A/HRC/39/8 60. The delegation of Tuvalu responded to questions raised by stating that Tuvalu was currently conducting a comprehensive review of its Constitution and that the Government would incorporate into that process considerations regarding accession to, or the signing and ratification of, relevant human rights conventions. 61. The Prime Minister wished to work closely with the Human Rights Council in addressing reporting requirements. Acceding to and ratifying international conventions required extensive work. The Government was fully committed to signing and acceding to the relevant conventions. 62. The Government was working hard with communities to legislate against and repress discrimination based on sex or race, and violence. The Prime Minister was unaware of any provisions in the laws of Tuvalu that explicitly enabled discrimination, and would need to be advised on that matter. 63. With regard to sexual orientation, there were cultural practices that needed to be brought into line with international standards. While that approach differed from traditional Tuvaluan culture, the Government was committed to addressing such issues in a manner that was acceptable and that followed international norms. 64. The views and recommendations expressed to Tuvalu on improving the situation with respect to torture were appreciated, but the Prime Minister was unaware of any torturerelated actions in the country. He requested clarification on that issue. 65. The Prime Minister thanked Member States, in particular Cuba and Guyana, for their encouragement regarding measures to address climate change. 66. The Government of Tuvalu had waived all school fees at the primary and secondary levels for all children, including girls. 67. The Government would ratify the Worst Forms of Child Labour Convention, 1999 (No. 182) of the International Labour Organization, and implement it during fourth cycle of the universal periodic review. 68. Tuvalu had championed the concept of human rights action plans not only in the country but also in the Pacific region. It encouraged current initiatives undertaken with relevant domestic stakeholders to promote and protect human rights. 69. Ireland welcomed the adoption in 2016 of the human rights national action plan for 2016 to 2020 and the recent progress made in relation to the creation of a national human rights institution. It encouraged the Government of Tuvalu to expedite the establishment of the institution in full compliance with the principles relating to the status of national institutions for the promotion and protection of human rights (the Paris Principles). Ireland recognized the positive recent developments in relation to corporal punishment. It noted that Tuvalu had not become a party to several of the core human rights treaties. 70. Israel noted the country’s commitment to the protection and advancement of human rights, as demonstrated in its reports to the Committee on the Elimination of Discrimination against Women and the Committee on the Rights of the Child. It noted with satisfaction the adoption in 2016 of the human rights national action plan for 2016 to 2020, and encouraged its continued implementation. Israel acknowledged the country’s commitment to the fulfilment of the basic needs of its citizens, in the face of severe developmental and climatic challenges. 71. Italy welcomed the commitment of Tuvalu to the universal periodic review and its effort to improve the promotion and protection of human rights in the country. It commended the authorities of Tuvalu for the accession, in 2013, to the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities. It congratulated Tuvalu on the approval of a national action plan for human rights, in 2016, which mainly focused on economic and social rights, such as the rights to education, to health, to food and to water. 72. Jamaica commended Tuvalu for its commitment to improving the quality of life of its citizens, as outlined in the National Strategy for Sustainable Development for 2016 to 2020, including with respect to the right to housing, employment and voting. It also commended Tuvalu on its human rights national action plan for 2016 to 2020, noting that it 8