A/HRC/29/12 a significant number of the recommendations. Some of the actions were still in the process of being implemented, in particular in the areas of defence, security, justice and public administration; their implementation depended not only on political will but also on a strong commitment on the part of the international community. 9. In that context and despite the constraints inherent in the current management of the country arising from its adverse economic situation in both economic and financial terms, government leaders at the highest level had extended their subregional and international contacts in order to ensure the success of the round table to mobilize resources for the implementation of the development programme, which was to be held shortly with international partners. 10. With regard to the recommendations that had already been implemented, the delegation of Guinea-Bissau drew attention to the creation of a Gender Affairs Department at the Ministry of the Interior, the creation of special units for vulnerable persons in the judicial police force, the creation of centres for access to justice with funds to support the victims of violence, through the Ministry of Justice, as part of reforms in the areas of defence, security and justice, in order to provide legal assistance to the most vulnerable. 11. The delegation of Guinea-Bissau also drew attention to the approval by the Council of Ministers, in 2011, of the bill on the protection of witnesses, which aimed to provide more security for witnesses of human rights violations, including those committed against women. Lastly, the delegation noted the drafting, in 2013, of the strategic plan for the elimination of gender-based violence. The delegation also referred to the recent adoption of the Act on female genital mutilation, the Act against trafficking in persons, in particular women and children, the Act against domestic violence, and the adoption of measures to assist the most vulnerable, including women and children, such as the hiring of social service professionals, sociologists and other persons in order to provide assistance in court proceedings. 12. Responding to previous questions, Guinea-Bissau indicated, with respect to the promotion of and respect for sexual orientation and gender identity, that until that time the issue had not been the subject of public debate as it had not yet become important enough to be made a priority in the national legislative agenda. The country faced many other issues requiring urgent attention. The question was of course a matter of concern for the country but, for the time being, it had to give way to other human rights issues. Furthermore, Guinea-Bissau could not take steps actually to decriminalize homosexual relations since such relations were not criminalized under the law. The Constitution guaranteed that all persons were equal. 13. The delegation also said that one of the important steps taken to promote the participation of women in political life and gender equality in decision-making in political life was the adoption of the national action plan on gender equality and equity, as well as the appointment of women to senior posts in the current Government, in particular the Minister for Defence, the Minister of Education, the Minister for Justice, the Minister for Women, the Family and Social Cohesion, the Health Minister, the Secretary of State for the Budget, and the Director General of the Judicial Police, besides the increase in the number and responsibilities of female members of parliament in the People’s National Assembly. B. Interactive dialogue and responses by the State under review 14. During the interactive dialogue, 59 delegations made statements. Recommendations made during the dialogue are to be found in section II of the present report. 15. Uruguay highlighted the signature and/or ratification of various international instruments and the standing invitation to special procedures mandate holders. It urged 4 GE.15-07685