A/HRC/17/2 Workers and Members of Their Families. Algeria also commended efforts to promote human rights through the realization of the Millennium Development Goals, despite the challenges faced by the country. In the context of their vulnerability to external shocks and natural disasters, the international community should provide small island developing States with assistance to enable them to meet their development priorities while promoting human rights. 355. Cuba highlighted Saint Lucia’s constructive participation in the Working Group discussions and the fact that the delegation had answered most of the questions asked during the interactive dialogue. Cuba reiterated its recognition for the progress achieved in the area of human rights, in particular the Government’s firm decision to reduce poverty and attain socioeconomic development, the determination to guarantee the right to universal education, and the measures taken in the area of health, women rights, persons with disabilities and the elderly. For the purpose of implementing accepted recommendations, Saint Lucia would need to continue to honour its commitment with the promotion and protection of human rights, and also put in place plans and measures on various issues. 356. Morocco welcomed the open and frank approach adopted by the Government of Saint Lucia during the universal periodic review process. Morocco commended Saint Lucia for the impressive progress in meeting the Millennium Development Goals, in particular those relating to poverty reduction, the promotion of equality between women and men and access to education. Morocco welcomed the fact that the three recommendations it had made had been accepted. It reiterated its support for the Government in its development efforts, and expressed the hope that Saint Lucia would make every effort to implement recommendations. 357. Venezuela (Bolivarian Republic of) celebrated the spirit of openness and the constructive disposition exhibited by the Government of Saint Lucia during the review process, providing concrete answers to questions, in particular to those relating to the advancement of its socioeconomic policies. It emphasized the efforts made by the Government to combat poverty, resulting in a significant reduction of extreme poverty as a result of such social programmes as the Fund for Social Development, the programme of public assistance and the Trust Fund for Basic Needs. The universal periodic review also made it possible to appreciate Saint Lucia’s efforts to attain universal primary and secondary education, by making it mandatory between the ages of 5 and 15, as the only way to reduce poverty and reach economic development and social welfare in the country. It encouraged the Government, with the support of international cooperation granted without conditions, to maintain and increase the priority given to social policies in order to protect and guarantee the future of the whole population. 3. General comments made by other relevant stakeholders 358. The Canadian HIV/AIDS Legal Network welcomed the Government’s commitment to accept a number of recommendations made during the universal periodic review and to raise public awareness about the issue of discrimination. It stated that discrimination based on sexual orientation existed, and discriminatory laws legitimized and perpetuated sociocultural prejudices and facilitated violence against individuals based on their perceived sexual orientation. The Canadian HIV/AIDS Legal Network expressed its hope to see stronger recommendations made by the Human Rights Council in order to, inter alia, require the constitutional reform commissioners to publicly release their final report, and ensure that this process remained accountable and transparent to the people; and remind Saint Lucia to respect, protect and fulfil the rights of everyone without discrimination. It was noted that the LGBT community was asking only for the same rights and protection under the law that were already afforded the larger Saint Lucian society. The Network appreciated the Government’s engagement during the universal periodic review process and GE.12-13630 137