A/HRC/26/9 89. Moreover, since 2013, the Government of Vanuatu had established an interim national human rights institution which covers UPR. 90. With regard to the implementation of CEDAW, Vanuatu reported that, in 2011, a survey that was carried out on adult literacy in Shefa province identified women’s participation in the formal labour market to be 40 per cent, in both the private and public sector. The delegation also referred to the project for economic empowerment for women and rural electrification in India, Barefoot College. It provided details in that regard. 91. It was also added that the National Policy and Action Plan on Gender Equality and Women’s Development is part of the Government’s effort to implement the priority action agenda national strategic priority 3 which is good governance and public sector reform. 92. With regard to sexual violence against girls, currently the Vanuatu Police Force had a unit called the Family Protection Unit working on cases of sexual violence. Under the National Policy and Action Plan on Gender Equality and Women’s Development 2014– 2017, nurse practitioners and counselling services would also be provided in a separate room within the unit to assist girls coming in to provide their statements in sexual violence cases. 93. On the question regarding a law on labour risks, Vanuatu was yet to process the drafting of the law with regard to labour risks. 94. With regard with ICESCR and the Optional Protocol to the Convention against Torture and Other Cruel, Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment, Vanuatu indicated that it was progressively realizing ICESCR, but would need more consultations and awareness-raising, and to learn from the experiences of neighboring countries that had already ratified ICESCR. The islands of Vanuatu were scattered and dispersed and thus had diverse cultures. Vanuatu needed to implement CAT fully before it would consider the Optional Protocol. 95. The delegation provided information regarding steps taken with regard to CAT. The Government in November 2013 signed a partnership agreement with the Government of New Zealand to continue with the project to upgrade the Stade Correctional Centre in Port Vila to include juvenile, women and high-risk and secured facilities. 96. In December 2013, the Government of Vanuatu, in collaboration with the Government of New Zealand, had agreed to the establishment of a new correctional centre for Tanna, including management, wardens and staff. In addition, in 2012, the Government had established an external prison inspection team with the specific aim of inspecting the conditions and treatment in prisons and promote the human rights of detainees. 97. The Government had considered the various discriminatory grounds enshrined in the current Citizenship Act. In that light, it was undertaking work to amend the various provisions of that law, in consultation with relevant stakeholders. 98. The delegation thanked all Member States for their participation. It acknowledged the comments and recommendations and requested that the international community assist the country technically and financially to better address human rights issues. Although the UPR process was still progressing slowly, even in its second cycle, in Vanuatu, through the firm stand of the Government, efforts would be made to uphold and promote human rights and improve in the next four years. It acknowledged the technical and financial support of OHCHR and the Pacific Islands Forum, and the human rights advisor and Secretariat of the Pacific Community in preparing the second UPR reports. 14