A/HRC/19/7 34. Trinidad and Tobago noted that its national report detailed the country’s commitments, priorities, achievements and challenges. It welcomed an engaging dialogue with the Council, and stated that it was keen to hear recommendations as it looked forward to a fruitful discourse. The State’s commitment to continuing to work purposively on human rights issues and maintaining a high level of ambition accordingly was underscored. 35. Trinidad and Tobago recognized, however, that ensuring respect for international human rights and meeting its obligations under various international treaties was a continuous and complex process. Trinidad and Tobago was prepared to undertake an objective evaluation of the comments and recommendations of members of the Council with a view to assisting in further strengthening the national framework for the promotion and protection of human rights. 36. In closing, Trinidad and Tobago restated the Government’s full commitment to furthering its efforts to address any identifiable gaps in implementation. It was recalled that, as proudly declared in Trinidad and Tobago’s National Anthem, every creed and race, must find an equal place in Trinidad and Tobago. It was added that, while not explicitly stated in those words, in modern Trinidad and Tobago, the Government was resolute in its belief that so too must gender. B. Interactive dialogue and responses by the State under review 37. During the interactive dialogue, 38 delegations made statements. Recommendations made during the dialogue are to be found in chapter II of the present report. 38. Algeria noted the engagement of Trinidad and Tobago with human rights manifested in its programmes, notably the Programme of Financial Aid for needy patients and those suffering chronic diseases. It noted the “eConnect and Learn” programme and its considerable advances in the fight against discrimination. It noted that the situation of women remained a challenge. It made recommendations. 39. Sri Lanka commended Trinidad and Tobago for the National Cultural Policy based on respect for ethnic and cultural diversity. It noted the reduction of extreme poverty and the achievement of the MDG on education and welcomed its commitment to providing free public education. It hoped that the Children’s Bill would be passed. Sri Lanka commended Trinidad and Tobago for providing State-funded medication for non-communicable diseases. Sri Lanka made recommendations. 40. Singapore noted that Trinidad and Tobago had made remarkable progress achieving Millennium Development Goals. It welcomed Trinidad and Tobago commitments’ to poverty reduction and economic growth. Singapore noted that Trinidad and Tobago provided free education to all. Singapore commended Trinidad and Tobago for improving the legal and operational framework of child protection. Singapore made recommendations. 41. Malaysia commended Trinidad and Tobago for its commitment to improving socioeconomic development. It noted that Trinidad and Tobago made progress towards meeting the MDG goals. Malaysia also noted that Trinidad and Tobago had implemented new measures to safeguard and protect the security of its citizens from criminal activity and inquired how such legislation could mitigate the impact of criminal activity. Malaysia made recommendations. 42. Cuba noted the progress of Trinidad and Tobago in the fields of health and education, despite the challenges that persisted in the Caribbean country. It noted the country had achieved universal primary and secondary education and achieved goal 3 of the third Millennium Development Goal by eliminating disparities between sexes in primary and secondary education. It also highlighted the “eConnect and Learn” programme and the 7