A/HRC/17/2 525. With regard to the creation of a national human rights institution, the delegation stated such an institution would make a significant contribution to improving the coordination on human rights policies between Government and stakeholders. Such an entity would best serve the populace if it were independent of the Government, in accordance with the Paris Principles. 526. Saint Kitts and Nevis would cooperate with non-governmental organizations and individuals that might be disposed to establishing such national monitoring mechanisms for further promotion and protection of human rights. In the meantime, the Government would continue to support the work of the Office of the Ombudsman as it continued to provide an avenue whereby citizens might have their grievances against Government institutions and services heard and resolved. 527. With regard to the invitation to special procedures, the delegation stated that, while Saint Kitts and Nevis understood and respected the work of the special procedures, a vital arm of the Human Rights Council, it would not be able to issue a standing invitation at this time. The Government was, however, willing to address all requests on a case-by-case basis. 528. Saint Kitts and Nevis would seek to strengthen those entities responsible for the promotion of the rights of women and children by adopting practical advances in these areas. Through various pieces of legislation, the departments of gender affairs and of labour had sought to set appropriate standards for the treatment of women, and continued to ensure that the laws relating to the promotion of their protection were fully implemented. The Department of Probation and Child Protection Services was one of the Government’s principal arms for ensuring that the rights of children were safeguarded, in particular with respect to those minors in need of care and protection and those in conflict with the law, as well as matters of foster care, adoption and related issues. The Offences against Persons Act criminalized acts of rape and sexual abuse. The Counselling Department of the Ministry of Health, Social and Community Services and Gender Affairs provided support and counselling for victims of crime. 529. With regard to discrimination on the grounds of sexual orientation, the delegation stated that chapter II of its Constitution prohibited discrimination against any person on the grounds of race, tribe, place of origin, political opinion, colour, creed or sex and, as such, any person who was of the view that his or her rights had been violated could, at any time, seek redress before the Court. Moreover, there were no challenges to any existing legislation before its courts on the grounds of sexual discrimination. Should any legislation be challenged on such grounds, and if held to be unconstitutional by the Court, the Government would be guided by such a ruling. 530. The delegation emphasized that the Government regarded seriously its commitment to protect all members of society from discrimination, regardless of sexual orientation. The State believed that this was an important issue and would continue to engage the public through a consultative process. 2. Views expressed by Member and observer States of the Human Rights Council on the review outcome 531. Cuba welcomed the information included in the addendum and the active participation of Saint Kitts and Nevis in the review, while acknowledging the limits and challenges it faced. Cuba highlighted the progress that had been made in the areas of education, health, employment, gender issues and persons with disabilities. Cuba’s recommendations were linked to plans and measures for socioeconomic development and the protection of the rights of vulnerable people. These and other issues were a priority in the development strategy applied by the Government. Cuba urged Saint Kitts and Nevis to GE.12-13630 163