A/HRC/15/14 prosecution of security personnel for torture and mistreatment, it believed extensive reform of the agencies is necessary. It was encouraged by attention to addressing violence against women and other members of vulnerable groups but strongly urged Guyana to take practical measures to address this issue. The United Kingdom made recommendations. 54. Argentina noted the human rights and fundamental freedoms guaranteed in the Constitution and in law, particularly the exhaustive standards for the protection of freedom of religion and conscience in the context of the existing cultural, ethnic, religious and linguistic diversity. Argentina also highlighted the fact that the death penalty had not been implemented since 1997. Argentina made recommendations. 55. Maldives commended Guyana for its commitment to equality and nondiscrimination, and welcomed the establishment of five national commissions, notably those on children’s rights and on women and gender equity. Maldives also highlighted the importance accorded to children’s rights. Maldives made a recommendation. 56. Uruguay commended Guyana for its poverty reduction strategy and other programmes to meet basic needs of the population such as housing and drinking water. It encouraged Guyana to continue to implement the provisions of the various international human rights instruments at the national level. Uruguay noted the progress made in the protection of children at risk, while indicating the concerns expressed by the Committee on the Rights of the Child and the International Labour Organization (ILO) Committee of Experts regarding the worst forms of child labour and child prostitution. Uruguay made recommendations. 57. Australia commended Guyana for the wide consultation on and successful adoption of the Sexual Offences Act, particularly those initiatives that broadened the definition of rape and criminalized marital rape. Australia praised the successful introduction of the National HIV/AIDS Workplace Policy and the concomitant reduction in workplace discrimination. Australia expressed concern about allegations of police brutality and the incarceration and torture of minors. Australia also expressed regret at the maintenance of criminal sanctions against sexual activity between consenting adults of the same sex, punishable by up to 10 years in prison, and at the retention of the death penalty, including as a mandatory sentence for some crimes. Australia made recommendations. 58. Sweden mentioned reported allegations of excessive use of force and numerous instances of torture by security and police forces, and noted that impunity for Government officials was a serous problem. Sweden inquired about what measures had been taken to investigate alleged human rights violations committed by a death squad between 2006 and 2008. While noting laws criminalizing sexual activities between people of the same sex, Sweden inquired about measures taken to guarantee non-discrimination against lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender people. Sweden made recommendations. 59. Latvia stated that Guyana had ratified most of the international human rights instruments, including the Rome Statute of the International Criminal Court. Latvia also noted Guyana’s positive cooperation with special procedures mandate holders. Latvia made a recommendation. 60. Italy noted that the Constitution and domestic legislation contained a number of provisions aimed at protecting human rights and fundamental freedoms, such as freedom of expression, the press and association. Italy made recommendations. 61. The United States of America commended Guyana on efforts in establishing a national independent human rights institution, saying that it looked forward to its establishment. It remained concerned about reported extrajudicial killings and use of excessive force by police. It also remained concerned about the continuing discrimination, violence and exploitation against vulnerable groups, particularly children; women; lesbian, 11