A/HRC/8/38 Page 13 improvement of indigenous rights; and that Guatemala take all necessary measures to fight against femicide and the lynching and killings of persons based on their sexual orientation. Noting the vulnerable situation of human rights defenders, it recommended that Guatemala develop a draft law guaranteeing the protection of human rights defenders. 65. Nicaragua commended Guatemala on the report, which was the product of a national consultation involving all actors. It noted the important steps taken by Guatemala to consolidate peace following the long internal armed conflict, and acknowledged the progress made in strengthening institutions and the legal framework. Nicaragua welcomed the renewal of the mandate of the OHCHR office in Guatemala and recommended the continuation of education in the field of human rights. 66. The Philippines appreciated the work to overcome the effects of past internal conflict. It asked if the Government had assessed the positive impact of its institutions on the human rights situation on the ground. The Philippines also stated that Guatemala’s vast experience in international cooperation on human rights issues would be helpful for other developing countries, thus, the Philippines recommended that Guatemala share its experiences and best practices in this field. The Philippines also expressed interest in further government efforts including expectations for international cooperation, with respect to eliminating violence against women and reform of the police force. The Philippines expressed the hope that the Government would enhance support to national efforts to prevent the re-establishment of the death penalty. 67. Tunisia commended Guatemala on its consolidation of the process of democratization, in particular on the free, transparent and democratic elections of January 2008, which reflected the commitment to further promote social peace and development. It also welcomed reforms aimed at aligning domestic legislation with international standards, efforts to consolidate the national human rights legal framework, the ongoing consultations on submitting to Congress the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities and the International Convention for the Protection of All Persons from Enforced Disappearance, and measures to improve the lives of indigenous peoples. 68. The United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland welcomed Guatemala’s commitment to strengthen its national human rights institutions and support the advancement of the rights of indigenous peoples. It would like to see rapid progress in these fields. It noted the Special Representative of the Secretary-General’s report and sought information on Guatemala’s work to tackle impunity. The United Kingdom recommended that the Government take additional steps to combat the impunity which has contributed to the rise in femicide and the attacks on human rights defenders. Social and gender inequality were sources of concern and it recommended that Guatemala implement all the measures agreed in the 1996 Peace Accords to combat discrimination and promote inclusion. The United Kingdom recognized Guatemala’s good cooperation with treaty bodies and urged further cooperation through the submission of the follow-up response to the Committee against Torture. It was pleased with CICIG and hoped Guatemala will continue to tackle all forms of corruption with vigour. It welcomed the decision to maintain the de facto moratorium of the death penalty but recommended that Guatemala abolish the death penalty in its entirety. Finally, it recommended that civil society be fully involved in work to follow up this session. 69. Japan commended Guatemala for cooperating with the CICIG and strongly encouraged the Government to obtain support from the CICIG and enhance judicial power so as to solve the issue of impunity. Japan commented that it was essential to further advance the police force’s capacity for peace maintenance and recommended in that regard an increase in the number of police officers, in conjunction with capacity development of the Public Prosecutor’s Office. Japan, while expressing its understanding that financial consequences had to be taken into account when considering strengthening judicial power, stated that further enhancement was required and