A/HRC/18/2 326. The outcome of the review of Seychelles comprised the report of the Working Group on the Universal Periodic Review (A/HRC/18/7), the views of Seychelles concerning the recommendations and/or conclusions, and its voluntary commitments and replies presented before the adoption of the outcome by the plenary to questions or issues that were not sufficiently addressed during the interactive dialogue in the Working Group. 1. Views expressed by the State under review on the recommendations and/or conclusions, its voluntary commitments and the outcome 327. Reflecting on the way ahead, the President of Seychelles stated that the country had to work harder and to be more productive. The President added that a reinvigorated economy would bring more benefits and opportunities to the country’s young people, and that measures and strategies divorced from the human element had no real sense. 328. In Seychelles, the concept of a great nation was not defined by its budget surplus or bank reserves, but by the happiness index of each one of its citizens, which is called “people-centred development”. It meant a development that took into consideration the individuals that made up the workforce and that also took special care of other people. 329. Concomitant with the development in tourism, fishing, financial services and others, Seychelles had always provided the elements necessary for the development of the most valuable resource a country could have: the human resource. 330. Seychelles stated that its legislative framework encompassed the mechanisms necessary to secure economic growth and the implementation of social programmes, while the fundamental rights and freedoms of the people were safeguarded. 331. In this endeavour, Seychelles welcomed the assistance of numerous partners, from friendly States to regional and international organizations, such as the African Commission on Human and Peoples’ Rights and the European Union. Seychelles conveyed its special gratitude to the Human Rights Council for being one of these partners. The Council had given guidance throughout the whole procedure of the universal periodic review, and had even assisted with funds for the participation of its delegates in the sessions. 332. Seychelles had accepted the recommendations on ratification or accession to international human rights treaties. In general, the Government of Seychelles found no impediment to acceding to or ratifying these international instruments; it would, however, maintain its policy, which entailed that treaties would be submitted for approval in accordance with the Seychelles procedure for the execution of treaties; by implementing the appropriate provision of the Constitution, all relevant ministries, departments and national stakeholders would be consulted, the concerned treaty would be submitted to the scrutiny of the executive and the legislative, and the recommendations for approval would be based on national socioeconomic conditions, plans and priorities. 333. Seychelles had accepted the recommendations on the national human rights institution. Its national human rights commission already abided by some of the Paris Principles, as contained in the annex to General Assembly resolution 48/134. A change in the scope of the commission’s functions, powers and membership would require an amendment to the Protection of the Human Rights Act of 2009. It might also entail other administrative measures, such as budget allocation or its increase. The Government would review the proposal in due time. 334. Seychelles had accepted the recommendations on elections. More specific comments thereon would be published in the statement to be posted on the extranet of the Human Rights Council. With regard to the recommendation that the national human rights commission monitor the elections, the delegation stated that it could be invited to do so. 335. GE.12-17756 Seychelles had also accepted the recommendations on media. 127