A/HRC/17/6 55. On the issue of the ratification of conventions, Saint Lucia stated that a number have already been ratified and the ratification of a number of others is being examined. Saint Lucia indicated that one of the reasons why ratification could sometimes take some time was that it tried to ensure that when a treaty is ratified the mechanism to implement its provisions has been put in place. Saint Lucia stated that it welcomed technical assistance in this regard. Additionally, it was noted that the fact that a Convention has not been ratified does not mean that present practice is in contravention of its provisions. The example was given of a number of measures already adopted to ensure the rights of people with disabilities. 56. Canada recalled that despite a strong constitutional framework for human rights Saint Lucia lacked provisions guaranteeing equality for all citizens’ regardless of sexual identity. It acknowledged steps taken to guarantee universal education and to eliminate violence in the family. It noted the lack of information on the magnitude of the problem of trafficking in persons. It was concerned by reports of excessive use of force by the police. Canada made recommendations. 57. South Africa noted the challenges faced by Saint Lucia and encouraged the international community to provide the country with technical assistance. South Africa requested information on action taken to bring domestic legislation into line with the international instruments not ratified by Saint Lucia. South Africa made recommendations. 58. France praised the existence of a de facto moratorium on the death penalty since 1995. It recognized, with satisfaction, the commitment of the Prime Minister of Saint Lucia to fight against discrimination, including discrimination based on sexual orientation. It noted, however, that the Penal Code criminalized sexual relations between men. France made recommendations. 59. The United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland expressed satisfaction that Saint Lucia was prepared to extend an open invitation to Special Procedures. The United Kingdom was pleased to see the opening of the mental wellness facility and the drafting of a new national mental health policy. It encouraged the Government to improve confidence in the justice and security sectors and to put in place independent systems to oversee juvenile justice. It made recommendations. 60. Germany requested information on the follow-up by Saint Lucia to recommendations made by the International Labour Organization (ILO) Committee of Experts (2010) and by CEDAW (2006), specifically those regarding the prohibition of the use, procuring and offering of a child below 18 years for the production of pornography; and those regarding the amendment of the Citizenship of Saint Lucia Act of 1979 which contained discriminatory provisions against women. Germany made recommendations. 61. Slovakia took note that the death penalty has not been applied since 1995. It also noted the existence of gender-based stereotypical attitudes on the role of women in society and the persistence of child labour in the informal economy in urban areas. It observed that some provisions of CRC have not yet been duly reflected in the country’s domestic laws. Slovakia made recommendations. 62. Ghana congratulated Saint Lucia for the progress made towards achieving the MDGs. Ghana commended the country for a number of measures adopted, aimed at promoting the right to education. Ghana expressed concern about the stereotypical attitudes towards the role of women and on the extent of prostitution. Ghana made recommendations. 63. The United States of America remained concerned about the continued criminalization of homosexual conduct and the pervasive societal discrimination against LGBT persons. It added that the criminalization of homosexual conduct exacerbates 9