A/HRC/12/4 Page 11 54. Japan commended Belize for making measures against HIV/AIDS, a major national issue, and for establishing a National AIDS Commission. It also applauded Belize for having a National AIDS In The Workplace Policy designed to eliminate workplace discrimination against persons living with HIV/AIDS. It said it hoped that efforts will be made to ensure that these policies will be implemented countrywide, and that attention will be paid to ensure that those affected by HIV/AIDS are not subject to discrimination and violations of privacy due to a lack of understanding or prejudice. It said it was pleased to know that Belize is actively studying the international treaties and conventions, and recommended that Belize accede in a timely manner to the International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights, which it signed in September 2000, to further advance its human rights policy. 55. Trinidad and Tobago underscored Belize’s commitment to democratic traditions and values, and the system of local governance that facilitates greater enfranchisement of rural communities, particularly of indigenous peoples. It also highlighted the establishment of an independent Office of the Ombudsman in 1999 and the election of the first female to that post in January 2009, as well as the creation of an Internal Affairs Department of the Police Service. Trinidad and Tobago identified with the challenges of small island developing States and small and vulnerable economies. In this regard, it fully endorsed the recommendation that enhanced capacity-building at the technical and policy levels be considered imperative to ensure that a human rights methodology infuses all policy and planning processes and to adequately arm the relevant agencies with the requisite tools needed to stand in the vanguard of the protection of human rights. It commended Belize for its proactive approach with respect to safeguarding the human rights and dignity of all Belizeans. 56. The Czech Republic expressed its appreciation for the responses to the written questions submitted. It welcomed the long-term National Action Plan for Children, and recommended (a) that Belize strengthen efforts towards its full implementation. It also recommend (b) that the age of criminal responsibility, as well as the minimum age for marriage, be increased so that they comply with international standards, and (c) that possible shortcomings in the registration procedure of all newborn children are rectified. In area of protection against torture, it recommended that Belize (d) accede to the CAT-OP and (e) submit its overdue CAT report in early course. In the area of protection of the rights of asylum-seekers, it recommended Belize (f) to review its legislation and practice with a view of ensuring effective access to asylum procedure and upholding of the principle of non-refoulement. With respect to the protection of the right to privacy and non discrimination, it recommended (g) to put and end to any discrimination against same-sex sexual activity between consenting adults, in particular to review any discriminatory legislation, and to adopt measures to promote tolerance in this regard, which would also facilitate more effective educational programmes for the prevention of HIV/AIDS. It recommended that (h) human rights training with regard to the protection of the human rights of vulnerable groups, in particular women, children, indigenous peoples and persons of minority sexual orientation or gender identity, be provided to law enforcement officials, judicial officers and and all State officials. 57. Jamaica commended Belize for the report presented and for its commitment to ensuring that the fundamental rights and freedoms of all its people are protected. It noted Belize had highlighted the need for further capacity-building and technical assistance in areas such as human rights education, monitoring and reporting, and encouraged the international community to give Belize its full support in its efforts to build a more just and equitable society.