A/HRC/16/14 Amendment) Bill. Despite resource constraints and their forced deployment to maintaining public security, note was taken of the significant progress by Jamaica in achieving the MDGs. It made recommendations. 82. Jamaica reiterated the value it placed on the interactive dialogue. It reaffirmed its positions in relation to: the call by some states to ratify outstanding instruments; in particular the Optional Protocols to ICCPR; the question surrounding sexual orientation and the repeal of the buggery laws and the death penalty. With regard to torture, it recalled that the Constitution prohibited torture and that as long as the citizens have an avenue of redress there was no need to create a multiplicity of proceedings and a duality of processes. 83. Jamaica also stressed the country’s poor financial health. It noted that the recent flood rains and hurricanes have resulted in additional stress on its budget and indicated that what Jamaica was being asked to do, will require tremendous resources and additional financial support. 84. With regard to sexual orientation and discrimination, Jamaica explained that the government has raised public awareness of these issues and will continue to do so, but that this needed resources. 85. Jamaica also stated that the fact that the Justice System was so over-burdened with a large number of cases is an indication of the commitment of the police to bring perpetrators to book. However, the State cannot guarantee convictions because due process exists. 86. Jamaica also noted once again that it was advanced in steps taken to protect women, children and special groups, but recognized that there was more to be done. With regard to overcrowding in prisons, the delegation stated that facilities have been retrofitted and regraded with plans to construct new facilities in keeping with international standards. 87. Jamaica stressed its commitment to promote and protect human rights and requested help to do so. 88. Azerbaijan commended Jamaica, inter alia, for the accomplishments achieved in the health sector. It welcomed steps taken by the Government to advance women’s rights and noted that the establishment of quotas on women’s representation merited attention. It appreciated the adoption of the Trafficking in Persons Act 2007. It referred to the national report which indicated that criminal activity had become a serious threat to State institutions. It made recommendations. 89. Latvia noted with satisfaction that Jamaica had halved the poverty rate from twenty to ten percent between 1997 and 2007. Latvia referred to the positive cooperation of Jamaica with special procedures mandate holders, including the recent visit of the Special Rapporteur on torture to Jamaica and made a recommendation. 90. Costa Rica commended Jamaica for having achieved universal access to primary education and universal access to health services. It welcomed the inclusion of human rights education in school programs. It recognized Jamaica efforts in meeting its human rights challenges, particularly regarding gender equality, rights of the child and elimination of violence against women. Costa Rica made recommendations. 91. Namibia commended Jamaica for ratifying the major human rights instruments and for the progress in combating HIV and AIDS. Namibia stated that there were high levels of crime and violence and called on Jamaica to strengthen her national youth policies and programmes to instil new paradigms and norms in order to curb the culture of crime, drugs and violence. Namibia also called on Jamaica to abolish the death penalty. Namibia made a recommendation. 12