A/HRC/24/8 legislation with international human rights instruments and implement institutional mechanisms to guarantee human rights. Morocco made recommendations. 26. Canada indicated that, in 2008, in response to interventions on freedom of religion or belief and freedom of expression relating to discrimination against individuals of certain beliefs that stemmed from traditional and customary practices, Tuvalu had recognized that there existed a discrepancy between the law and certain traditional practices and expressed its commitment to address that matter. Canada requested information on the status of current laws and concrete steps taken thereon. It welcomed the formulation of a Family Protection Bill and the announcement of the launching of community consultations. Canada made recommendations. 27. New Zealand commended the commitment of Tuvalu to improve the human rights protection, including addressing domestic violence, although more remained to be done. New Zealand requested information on the steps taken to ensure a mechanism, such as an Ombudsman, to investigate allegations of human rights violations. Noting resource constraints and geographic challenges, it commended the country’s efforts in financial governance. It noted that health and education services should be prioritized. New Zealand made a recommendation. 28. Nicaragua recognized that Tuvalu had limited national resources and underscored the cooperation shown in hosting the Special Rapporteur on the human right to safe drinking water and sanitation. It also expressed hope for the creation of a framework for cooperation, bearing in mind the harmful consequences of climate change. It recognized efforts to achieve participation by and empowerment of women. It encouraged continued efforts to improve equality between men and women. Nicaragua made a recommendation. 29. Nigeria commended progress in promoting and protecting human rights and in ensuring that human rights standards were included in the domestic legislation. It noted the efforts of Tuvalu to empower women through its National Women’s Policy and youth through its National Youth Policy. Nigeria made recommendations. 30. Philippines noted the progress of Tuvalu in building the normative framework and institutions on human rights and commended the enactment of laws and the establishment of government offices such as the People’s Lawyers Office and the Department of Women’s Affairs. It welcomed the ratification of core human rights instruments. It commended the work on the National Strategic Plan key priorities. It recognized the country’s constraints and supported the appeal to the international community for technical assistance. It made a recommendation. 31. Senegal noted the integration of international human rights standards into domestic legislation. It welcomed the establishment of a special task force to eliminate violence against women. Senegal recognized the challenges faced and endorsed the country’s call for technical assistance. It made a recommendation. 32. Singapore noted that, despite challenges, Tuvalu had made progress in promoting and protecting human rights. It commended steps taken to promote women’s rights and acknowledged the National Women’s Policy and the Family Protection and Domestic Violence Bill. Singapore noted the impact of the climate change on people’s access to food, safe drinking water, adequate housing and arable land. It recognized the preparation of a comprehensive National Adaptation Programme of Action and noted the active engagement of international organizations to support its implementation. Singapore made recommendations. 33. The Head of Delegation thanked the distinguished delegates for all the comments and welcomed the recommendations provided as a way to improve human rights in Tuvalu. 6