A/HRC/26/9 58. With regard to the Family Protection Act, the delegation reported that the Government of Vanuatu, with the assistance of donors, provided awareness-raising and assisted in establishing posts for authorized personnel and counsellors. Preliminary discussions had taken place, however, on the review of the Family Protection Act of 2008 to ensure that counsellors were registered and the existing judicial system was used to deal with cases of violence against women, and that the non-governmental organization Wan Smolbag Theatre, churches and communities could be used as counsellors. 59. Enhancing access to the judiciary system and support systems for the victims of domestic violence was a new issue for the judiciary system; however, victims of domestic violence, in particular women with disabilities, had access to legal aid. There were separate court hearings and decisions on cases. Another achievement was that the Building Code had been passed in November 2013 to ensure disability-friendly buildings. 60. With regard to the training of police officers and judges, the delegation reported that, with the assistance of the Regional Rights Resource Team, advocacy training was provided to police officers; such training for judges had yet to be provided. In the Law and Justice Sector Strategy, 2014–2017, Vanuatu would address the need for a psychologist, family therapist or clinical support during interviews of victims of sexual violence, especially that of rape, which would be available at the Family Protection Unit within the Police Force. 61. With regard to sexual violence against girls, it was stated that currently the Vanuatu Police Force’s Family Protection Unit was working with cases of sexual violence. Vanuatu was also raising awareness of communities through the National Council of Women throughout the provinces, but on a very small scale and it would need technical assistance to assist in those preparations. 62. On questions regarding the right to information, the delegation confirmed that it was in the process of finalizing a bill on the right to information to go before the Parliament, and the Government had approved a comprehensive national media policy. 63. With regard to gender-based violence, Vanuatu was in the process of strengthening institutions, such as the judiciary, and including gender-based violence in its national efforts to eradicate gender-based violence. 64. The Netherlands welcomed the human rights progress made despite the difficulties for Vanuatu of being a small country, the remoteness of some of its communities and its vulnerability to natural disasters. It hoped that the UPR process would assist the Government in addressing ongoing challenges. It commended the ratification of UNCAC and the implementation of the Family Protection Act, which was a positive step towards combating domestic violence, but remained concerned about the challenges regarding corruption and the still widespread domestic violence. The Netherlands made recommendations. 65. New Zealand welcomed the clear commitment of Vanuatu in fulfilling its human rights obligations. It expressed concern, however, at the high rate of violence against women and girls, particularly intimate partner violence. It welcomed increased focus on the prevention and protection of women and girls from violence and the work towards the implementation of CRPD, including through the establishment of a Disability Desk Officer within the Department of Women’s Affairs. It applauded improvements in conditions of detention and correctional facilities, including transparency provisions for new prisons planned. New Zealand made recommendations. 66. Nigeria noted the constructive engagement of Vanuatu with OHCHR, as well as its consultation with all sectors of its population in preparation of its UPR. It urged Vanuatu to prioritize the promotion and protection of human rights and called for the ratification of the 10