A/HRC/16/16 rights situation in the country. Regarding the issue of accession to core human rights treaties, the delegation stated that the Federated States of Micronesia was endeavouring to consider the core international convention on human rights for possible ratification and accession, indicating, however, that it faced capacity constraints, as evident in its lack of reporting on the Convention on the Rights of the Child and the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination against Women. Therefore, the Federated States of Micronesia would continue to seek assistance from donor partners and United Nations implementing agencies. The delegation also indicated that, through its Constitution and existing laws, the country would ensure that fundamental rights associated with conventions that it had not yet ratified were protected. 37. Concerning the issue of the rights of women and children in relation to domestic violence, the delegation stated that the Government was keen to carry out activities to increase awareness and understanding of the issue. A presidential proclamation had designated 25 November 2010 as National Domestic Violence Day in order to raise awareness of domestic and sexual violence. The same initiative had been implemented last year as well. Training courses and services specifically regarding domestic violence were provided at the state level. The Federated States of Micronesia had established the National Police Academy. The work of the Academy was significant to address capacity gaps that were crucial in order to deal with domestic and sexual violence, in particular to protect the rights of women and children. In one state, a Division of Domestic Violence had been created within the police force. The state of Pohnpei implemented a “non-drop” policy with respect to violence against women and children. At the national level as well, a policy on sexual harassment in the workplace was under consideration. 38. As regards the issue of the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination against Women, the Federal States of Micronesia was doing its best to eliminate its reservations to the Convention. Through the universal periodic review, it was able to look at progress it might have made in that regard, and the delegation was pleased to report that in September 2009, the National Congress had adopted Public Law No. 16-14, which provided for paid maternity leave for women. This was related to one of the reservations it had put in place. The Federated States of Micronesia would continue to review its reservations to the Convention in order to make progress on their eventual elimination. 39. The issue of trafficking in persons had also been raised by Member States. As a developing nation, the Federated States of Micronesia faced a set of challenges stemming from globalization and the free movement of people. The national Government had put in place a task force to look at ways forward in addressing the issue. One of the recommendations of the task force that was ready to be submitted to the President’s Cabinet for review was that the Federated States of Micronesia accede to the Protocol to Prevent, Suppress and Punish Trafficking in Persons, Especially Women and Children, supplementing the United Nations Convention against Transnational Organized Crime. 40. As for the issue of the age of consent, it varied from state to state. The National Women’s Conference had discussed the need to change the age of consent in each state. 41. The delegation reiterated that the Federated States of Micronesia had made progress as a society. It had begun in the days when men sailed on rafts and canoes and voyaged among stars, and had made progress to become a modern society with various activities focused on human rights. The Government would continue to uphold its responsibility to protect the rights of the country’s citizens. 42. Slovenia welcomed the fact that capital punishment was prohibited in Micronesia and commended the Government for its awareness of the importance of education for human dignity and the enjoyment of fundamental human rights. It also welcomed the 9