A/HRC/27/9 In view of the fact that most of the commitments under the UPR process required some financial investment, Dominica called on the international community to assist it in its endeavours. 66. Brazil said it was pleased to learn that Dominica had undertaken a review of its legal framework and administrative practices and policies with a view to strengthening action against domestic violence and physical abuse, particularly against women and children, as recommended during the previous review. In addition, it noted that a number of improvements had been made in the education sector. However, the right to life required greater attention and respect for sexual orientation required urgent attention. 67. Canada noted that in 2010, Dominica had agreed to establish greater support systems in the form of more secure housing for women seeking shelter from domestic abuse. It therefore asked the delegation to provide information on progress achieved so far in that regard. Canada welcomed the ratification of the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities, as well as the Trafficking in Persons Protocol. 68. Chile took note of the various programmes that had been implemented for the promotion and protection of human rights. It urged Dominica to continue with that process with a view to guaranteeing the full enjoyment of human rights, with the support of the international community and relevant technical assistance. 69. China was pleased with the efforts made by Dominica to eliminate poverty and noted its commitment to protecting the rights of vulnerable groups, such as women and children. Dominica had promoted gender equality and improved health and education; the infant mortality rate had declined, most of the population had access to safe drinking water, and the school enrolment rate had increased. It understood the challenges faced by Dominica as a small island State, and called on the international community to provide assistance in the areas of finance, technology and capacity-building. 70. Costa Rica regretted the absence of a national report from Dominica in view of the importance of such documents for the UPR process. However, it congratulated Dominica on measures taken to improve the situation of children, such as the awareness-raising campaign on sexual abuse of children, and on the review of the legal framework to strengthen action against domestic violence and ill-treatment of children. It recognized improvements in the areas of health and education, urged Dominica to prohibit corporal punishment and expressed the hope that it would abolish the death penalty. 71. Sri Lanka welcomed the efforts of Dominica to promote human rights despite the challenges that it faced, and took note of its commitment to reform its legal framework and administrative measures in order to combat domestic violence and physical abuse of children. It acknowledged the initiatives introduced to achieve gender equality and efforts to implement the national gender policy. It encouraged Dominica to facilitate further access to education for all by allocating adequate resources and reinforcing teacher training. 72. The Democratic Republic of the Congo noted that Dominica had undertaken a review of its legislative framework, had taken steps to strengthen the framework for combating domestic violence and child abuse, had ratified the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities, and had issued a standing invitation to special procedures. However, it noted that there had been delays in the submission of reports to treaty bodies. It asked Dominica to provide further information on measures adopted to promote the harmonious social integration of ethnic minorities. 73. Denmark commended Dominica for engaging with the UPR process by accepting a large number of recommendations at the first review. However, it noted that little progress had been reported in some areas. In particular, it noted the lack of progress in the fight against torture, observing that Dominica had not ratified the Convention against Torture 11

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