A/HRC/15/14 50. Mexico recognized Guyana’s efforts aimed at social security, the right to health, and poverty reduction. While highlighting the relevance of establishing five legislative commissions for human rights, Mexico underscored the importance of establishing an independent mechanism in conformity with the Paris Principles. Mexico noted the difficulties concerning the effective application of international human rights standards, suggesting that Guyana seek technical assistance from international and regional organizations for adequate implementation. Mexico expressed appreciation for the information provided by Guyana concerning the land property rights of indigenous communities, requesting additional information about efforts to be made to ensure the participation of indigenous women in political processes. Mexico made recommendations. 51. Germany acknowledged the achievements made relating to the trafficking in human beings and inquired how those efforts had contributed to the protection of victims. While echoing what the national report had stated about the importance of the right to water, Germany asked about the challenges faced in developing and implementing a national policy and a legal and institutional framework and strategies regarding access to drinking water and on waste management. Germany made recommendations. 52. The delegation of Guyana responded to issues raised during the dialogue. It took note of the issues raised in relation to corporal and capital punishment, as well as the criminalization of lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender persons, and reiterated that those issues would take time to address and would require widespread consultation. With regard to the international human rights instruments that had not been ratified, many of them were being actively considered for ratification. Concerning health services, the delegation indicated that such services were free, without any distinction between nationals and nonnationals. This would not have been possible without the assistance of Cuba, as the first 100 Guyanese- trained doctors had arrived from Cuba, with an additional 600 students expected. These new doctors would transform the health services. The delegation stated that protecting the rights of indigenous people was of paramount importance and that those rights, including the right to land, were included in the Amerindian Act. The political representation of indigenous women was important, and, as of December 2009, three out of the six women in the Cabinet were indigenous women. The delegation also indicated that indigenous women occupied positions in the various administrative structures. In relation to the Low-Carbon Development Strategy, the delegation reiterated that it had been initiated following broad consultation. With respect to domestic violence, the delegation indicated that, as a result of the various measures already indicated by the Government, there was an increased willingness on the part of people to appear in court, but the issue required continued effort. As regards the media, the delegation indicated that the private sector controlled the television media, with only one Government-owned station. It reiterated that Guyana was a free-press country. In terms of radio broadcasting licences, the delegation provided the assurance that, as a result of an agreement with the opposition party to place a hold on the issuance of new licences until broadcast legislation had been adopted, the new Broadcast Bill, coupled with a new Telecommunications Act and Commission, was expected to be considered this year in the National Assembly. The delegation recalled measures relating to the modernization of the police force and the manner in which the administration of justice took place. In terms of pre-trial detention, no one could be held for longer than 72 hours unless an order of court was issued in that regard. With respect to detainees awaiting trial, the delegation recalled efforts to reduce the backlog of court cases. As for the appointment of independent commissions, the delegation described in detail the methodology for appointing the human rights commissions from among civil society, which would act as independent complaint mechanisms. This also applied to boards and commissions of inquiry investigating allegations of abuse, excessive force and torture. 53. The United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland believed it important that human rights commissions become operational as soon as possible. Whilst welcoming 10