A/HRC/17/6 homophobic attitudes in the general population and prevents LGBT persons from taking advantage of opportunities afforded to other St. Lucians. It looked forward to further cooperation with Saint Lucia to strengthen human rights in the country and the region. It made recommendations. 64. Poland welcomed efforts made by Saint Lucia to strengthen the protection and promotion of human rights. Poland made recommendations. 65. Regarding the issue of discrimination of persons on the basis of their sexual orientation, Saint Lucia reiterated that the Constitution very clearly does not allow for discrimination against anyone. Matters regarding how a society interacts, what principles it is governed by and how it will evolve in the future clearly reveal a need for advocacy and changes in attitude of certain sectors of society. The question remains, however, whether such advocacy should be the role of the Government or whether it should be carried out by those who believe they are discriminated against. 66. On the issue of the death penalty, Saint Lucia recalled what had been explained in its opening statement and noted that in a democracy the Government acts with the consent of those being governed. Institutional reforms must be in harmony with the wishes of the population. Saint Lucia also recalled that the country is going through a process of Constitutional review and that it is important that during this review such issues are discussed by the different sectors of the population. 67. Saint Lucia added that the country has a strong tradition of members of the community helping each other and this tradition has enabled a number of issues and problems to be solved within it. 68. Maldives appreciated the replies provided by Saint Lucia to its advance questions. It noted the challenges and constraints faced by a small island like Saint Lucia in fully promoting and protecting human rights. It mentioned that, nevertheless, Saint Lucia has made progress and enjoys a stable democratic political system, respect for the rule of law and universal primary and secondary education. It also referred to efforts to achieve the MDGs and eradicating extreme poverty. Maldives made recommendations. 69. Italy commended Saint Lucia for the de facto abolitionist position of death penalty. Italy noted that women continue to face disadvantages and unequal situations in public and private life. Italy made recommendations. 70. China made recommendations. 71. Botswana recognized the investment that the Government has made in social development. It mentioned the establishment of the Police Complaints Unit and the establishment of the Legal Aid Authority Board as examples of the progress achieved in the area of human rights by St. Lucia and asked that the international community provide support. It requested further information on the programmes and policies regarding HIV and AIDS. Botswana made a recommendation. 72. Australia noted Saint Lucia’s support for the Ottawa process and its stance against anti-personnel landmines. It welcomed the moratorium on the death penalty and the efforts made to promote and protect the rights of persons with disabilities. It noted that the country was considering becoming a party to CRPD. Australia made recommendations. 73. Sweden welcomed Saint Lucia’s intention to ratify the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR). It referred to the de facto moratorium on the death penalty and requested information on the possibility of revoking it as a result of the increase in crime. Sweden was also concerned by reports of use of excessive force by the police and asked for information on measures taken to address this issue. Sweden made recommendations. 10