A/HRC/33/5 37. Germany commended Saint Vincent and the Grenadines for its achievements, in particular with regard to the strengthening of the protection of the rights of women and children and encouraged it to continue to invest in those areas. 38. Ghana noted the adoption of the Domestic Violence Act and a national action plan to end gender-based violence, as well as the establishment of the National Committee on the Rights of the Child. It remained concerned, however, about reports of violence against women and girls. 39. Greece noted progress achieved in the field of domestic violence, including the adoption of the Domestic Violence Act, which broadened the definition of domestic violence and strengthened the child protection mechanisms. 40. Guatemala noted with satisfaction the adoption of the new law on domestic violence but remained concerned that the legislation did not criminalize sexual harassment in all areas. It indicated that steps should be taken to adopt legislation to fully ensure the principle of gender equality. 41. Haiti noted progress made in reducing gender-based violence, improving detention conditions and ensuring access to adequate housing. 42. Honduras noted the adoption of the Domestic Violence Act and efforts to achieve universal access to primary and secondary education and to guarantee cultural diversity and the protection of cultural heritage. 43. Responding to comments, the delegation acknowledged the development assistance that the country had received from Cuba and the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela. It referred in particular to assistance from Cuba in the area of health care. Cuba had helped the country with the construction of a hospital, loaned doctors and nurses and provided training and ophthalmic services. Both Cuba and the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela had also been major contributors to the construction of the soon-to-be-opened international airport and had contributed to the success of the country’s education revolution. 44. With respect to same-sex relationships, the delegation indicated that provisions on the matter had existed for a long time and that the precepts underlying them had overwhelming public support in the country’s Christian society espousing Judaeo-Christian values in the Caribbean context. The delegation acknowledged, however, that changes in those values were occurring, particularly among sections of young people, largely as a consequence of influences from outside. The matter was therefore always under review. However, all national sensitivities must be appreciated within the context of the existing value system. It was important to note that there had been no imprisonments in that regard. To conclude, there was currently no public or legislative appetite to revise any of the laws that prohibited sexual activities between consenting adults. 45. Referring to comments made by one delegation on the need to implement legislation to protect lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and intersex persons against violence, the delegation reiterated that every citizen in Saint Vincent and the Grenadines was afforded protection against violence, which was ensured under the Constitution and existing criminal laws. 46. With respect to the death penalty and the moratorium on the death penalty that had been recommended, the delegation indicated that it would be hard to support a moratorium currently. The Constitution enshrined the constitutionality and legitimacy of the death penalty within the Vincentian context. It was a sentence whose legality had been affirmed, reaffirmed and recognized by countless appellate courts over the years, up to and including the British Judicial Committee of the Privy Council. It was supported by the overwhelming majority of citizens, as evidenced by opinion polls, public consultations and the statements of the governing and opposition political parties. The sentence was limited to the most GE.16-11831 7