A/HRC/26/9 74. Switzerland welcomed the ratification of CAT and the efforts made to implement the Family Protection Law to prevent and combat all forms of domestic violence. It also appreciated the review of national legislation with regard to CEDAW and recognized efforts to raise awareness of human rights in Vanuatu. Switzerland made recommendations. 75. Thailand welcomed the positive developments since the first review, including the extension of a standing invitation to special procedure mandate holders. It expressed its appreciation for the measures taken to promote the rights of women and children. It also welcomed that, in addition to measures taken to enhance counselling and testing, people with HIV/AIDS received free antiretroviral treatments. It urged the international community to lend necessary assistance to the Government upon its request. Thailand welcomed the fact that the new Port Vila Correctional Centre accommodated mothers with babies and persons with disabilities, in compliance with international standards. Thailand made recommendations. 76. Timor-Leste welcomed the steps taken in implementing most of the accepted recommendations from the last review, and expressed appreciation for the frankness of the national report in detailing constraints and challenges. It acknowledged that a lack of resources, both human and financial, represented a major challenge that needed to be addressed. It noted with appreciation the ongoing implementation of the Universal Primary Education Policy, which provided for free education and the right to access primary education, but was concerned that the Government had not yet formulated a compulsory education policy. Timor-Leste made recommendations. 77. Trinidad and Tobago was aware of the challenges confronting Vanuatu as a small island developing State. It noted positive actions taken, including the ratification of UNCAC, steps to reduce gender-based violence, such as the establishment of family protection units in certain districts, the banning of corporal punishment in schools, efforts to improve conditions in correctional centres and the establishment of a Disability Desk Officer attached to the Department of Women’s Affairs, who focused on implementing CRPD. It made recommendations. 78. Ukraine commended efforts made by Vanuatu in the implementation of the recommendations accepted during the first review and noted the establishment of an overarching National Human Rights Committee , the development of the National Policy and Action Plan on Gender Equality and Women’s Development, as well as the commitment to improving the delivery of social services. Ukraine made recommendations. 79. The United Kingdom commended Vanuatu for the progress in achieving the International Conference on Population and Development targets and Millennium Development Goals through the implementation of the country’s Priorities and Action Agenda. It commended the ratification of several of the United Nations human rights treaties and asked whether Vanuatu intended to become party to any of the other human rights treaties, such as the International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights (ICESCR). It expressed concern at the exclusion of disability as a prohibited ground for discrimination and requested information on recent initiatives to address discrimination against persons with disabilities. It urged the Government to continue to work to prevent violence against women. It made recommendations. 80. The United States of America recognized sustained efforts to counter violence and discrimination against women and girls, particularly in rural areas, and encouraged further commitment in that area. It commended progress made regarding the passage of the Family Protection Act, particularly the “no drop” policy relating to reported cases of domestic violence, but remained concerned about discrimination, human rights abuses, reports of child sexual exploitation and violence against women. It made recommendations. 12