A/HRC/8/38
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recommended that Guatemala take measures to fully implement the new law on femicide and
ensure that the physical security of women is protected by implementing CEDAW
recommendations.
33.
Luxembourg noted legislative reforms bringing the definition of trafficking in line with
provisions of the United Nations Convention against Transnational Organized Crime and the
Protocol to Prevent, Suppress and Punish Trafficking in Persons, Especially Women and Children,
and against Smuggling of Migrants by Land, Sea and Air. It noted commercial adoption and sexual
exploitation for commercial purposes, in particular of indigenous and “rural” women and children,
and comments made by CEDAW, UNICEF and the Committee on the Rights of the Child that
Guatemala remains a country of origin, transit and destination. Luxemburg welcomed policies to
protect those particularly vulnerable, and asked about additional efforts to determine the causes and
scope of trafficking of women and girls, including internal trafficking. It asked the delegation to
share a first assessment of the impact on the ground, of the national anti-trafficking policy and of
the plan of action for 2007-2017.
34.
Malaysia congratulated the Government for having put an end to 36 years of armed conflict
with the signing of the Agreement on a Firm and Lasting Peace in 1996, saying it allowed for
enhancement of political stability and socio-economic development, including in human rights. For
countries that have faced long periods of internal armed conflict, Guatemala’s experience and the
work of the United Nations Peace Mission in Guatemala in 2004 was hailed as an example of best
practice. Malaysia commended CICIG and called for information on gains made and the role of the
commission vis-à-vis the national legal system.
35.
Cuba congratulated the delegation of Guatemala on the national report and noted that its
human rights priorities concerned rural development, education, health, the security of citizens, and
indigenous peoples. Cuba recommended that Guatemala continue its efforts to combat impunity and
continue to expand its programmes to promote social justice and economic, social and cultural
rights.
36.
Brazil praised Guatemala’s cooperation with international and regional human rights
systems. It asked about the main steps taken in the fulfilment of the rights of the child, on access to
justice for indigenous peoples and the implementation of Guatemala’s international commitments
against torture. Brazil also requested information on efforts to address the death penalty and on the
achievements of CICIG. Brazil recommended that Guatemala continue its efforts in respect of the
Optional Protocol to CAT.
37.
Venezuela noted with interest the Presidential Commission against Discrimination and
Racism Against Indigenous Peoples, the Institute for the Defence of Indigenous Women and the
forthcoming creation of a department on human rights and indigenous rights within the Ministry for
Foreign Affairs, and requested additional information on the functions of these as well as on other
policies and plans with regard to the rights of indigenous peoples.
38.
Austria noted Guatemala’s active participation in the Council and its voluntary commitment
to renew cooperation with the OHCHR for another three years and welcomed CICIG, asking about
measures to ensure the implementation of its mandate. It also recommended the adoption of
domestic measures to ensure the effective implementation of the Commission’s mandate on the
ground, necessary to remove any obstacles for serious international investigations. Austria sought
information on protecting the rights of human rights defenders and recommended that particular
attention be paid to the effective implementation of victims’ assistance and protection programmes
in the fight against impunity. It asked if action plans existed to implement the Law for the Integral
Protection of Childhood and Youth and for information on prohibition of corporal punishment and
recommended that corporal punishment in the home and family be explicitly prohibited.
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