A/HRC/16/2 637. Regarding the issue of refugees and asylum, Jamaica reiterated its commitment to fulfil its obligations, which was reflected in the adoption of a refugee policy in 2008, and noted that efforts were now under way to implement enabling legislation. The policy and enabling legislation were intended to ensure the implementation of Jamaica’s obligations under relevant treaties. 638. Jamaica recognized the importance of timely compliance with reporting obligations to United Nations treaty bodies, and it had accepted the recommendation on this issue. It provided detailed information on efforts already made to comply with this obligation, which had resulted in the submission, since 2009, of reports under the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, the International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights and the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination against Women. Jamaica also provided information on efforts made to present outstanding reports under other treaties. 639. With regard to the constitutional amendment to provide for a charter of rights and freedoms, the Government remained committed to the implementation of this instrument; the matter was to be taken to Parliament on 29 March 2011. 640. While there was no single institution dealing with human rights in the country, several similar entities existed and steps to strengthen these mechanisms had been taken. Jamaica referred in particular to the Bureau of Women’s Affairs and the Child Development Agency, and provided detailed information on their mandates and functioning. 641. With regard to the events in West Kingston in May 2010, and in particular recommendations to create a commission of inquiry, Jamaica explained that the Public Defender was currently carrying out an investigation of the events and a decision on whether to establish such a commission would be taken once he had completed and presented his report. 642. Jamaica recognized the urgent need to address conditions in prisons and lockups. Various efforts were being made in this regard, including the construction of new prison facilities, the retrofitting of existing prison facilities and the privatization of prisons. However, Jamaica’s ability to carry out such initiatives risked being affected in the short term by the severe economic and financial constraints facing the country. Jamaica added that a new regime for the management of juveniles was being developed and the existing facility was being renovated. 643. In conclusion, the measures taken underscored Jamaica’s commitment to ensure that the necessary normative and institutional framework was in place for the protection of human rights. Jamaica expressed its satisfaction that the importance of technical assistance and external cooperation had been recognized in recommendations made during the review. 2. Views expressed by Member and observer States of the Human Rights Council on the review outcome 644. Algeria expressed satisfaction that Jamaica had supported the three recommendations it had made, namely, to reactivate the hospital project concerning the illtreatment of children with the assistance from relevant United Nations institutions, to protect children in juvenile correctional facilities, and to establish a human rights institution. Algeria congratulated Jamaica on having met the Millennium Development Goals relating to the reduction of poverty and malnutrition, and on access to primary education. Algeria had paid tribute to the people of Jamaica during the current International Year for People of African Descent and sent a strong message of solidarity and encouragement to the authorities to continue their efforts to promote human rights. 196 GE.11-17059