A/HRC/8/38 Page 14 recommended that the establishment of such an environment, where a judge can make a fair and appropriate decision without intimidation, was vital. Japan commented on a report that street children, especially resulting from domestic violence, were being recruited by gangs and participating in activities such as stealing, prostitution, sale of drugs, and asked about prospects for addressing the issues through the eradication of poverty, education, the promotion of the rights of the child, and especially the improvement of the rights to education and to life. 70. The Republic of Korea welcomed the creation of an Ombudsman, a Presidential Secretariat for Women and a Presidential Commission for Coordinating Executive Policy in the Field of Human Rights, and efforts to raise rights awareness among law enforcement officers and other relevant institutions. It asked if there were programmes for the general public, including in schools. It cited the creation of the Historical Clarification Commission and the National Reparations Programme as significant steps forward in addressing the consequences of years of conflict. It asked for information on: (i) concrete actions taken to implement the National Reparations Programme; (ii) the adoption of the bill establishing the National Commission to Search for Victims of Enforced and Other Forms of Disappearance; (iii) measures taken to address the concerns of CEDAW about impunity for crimes against women and the impact of such measures. The Republic of Korea encouraged the Government to explore, together with the OHCHR and other entities, the best manner to promote and protect the rights of one of the most vulnerable sectors of the population, namely indigenous peoples, and welcomed the new Government’s priorities in rural development, education and health, and indigenous peoples. 71. Ecuador noted measures taken to combat impunity and racial discrimination, promote indigenous rights, and incorporate international human rights norms in domestic legislation, as well as efforts to develop a legal framework in compliance with the provisions of the international instruments. It requested information on how Guatemala addresses the flow of transit migrants and what best practices it has identified in this regard from a human rights perspective. 72. Italy appreciated, inter alia, that Guatemala voted in favour of a moratorium on the death penalty in the General Assembly and the President’s strong stance against its reintroduction, and recommended that Guatemala maintain and strengthen the moratorium currently in force with a view to abolishing the death penalty. Italy welcomed Guatemala’s intention to ratify the Rome Statute and recommended that Guatemala do so as soon as possible, representing a clear signal of its commitment to combat impunity. Italy asked what measures had been taken to combat youth gangs, the so-called “maras” and to support civil society initiatives to help young people emerge from “mara” culture. Italy recalled obstacles to the implementation of economic, social and cultural rights and expressed concern at the high level of social exclusion affecting children in rural areas and the high rate of illiteracy. Italy asked about the status and implementation of policies and plans to combat poverty and inequality. 73. Bangladesh said Guatemala had demonstrated its willingness to cooperate with international mechanisms and cited the High Commissioner’s recognition of the benefits of a transition to democracy at the end of a long authoritarian regime. While lack of resources meant the situation was not ideal, the Government was committed to improving it. It called for stronger administration of justice and the rule of law. It asked about measures in this regard. Bangladesh also cited CERD comments on the high illiteracy rate in the indigenous population and asked about measures to address this. 74. Uruguay commended Guatemala on the efforts to create and strengthen institutions to promote and protect human rights. Referring to challenges the country faces, it wanted to know what policies and measures are currently being implemented to address malnutrition and the chronic malnutrition which particularly affects children.