A/HRC/10/82 Page 17 question its independence and credibility. It recommended that Colombia (a) guarantee access to justice and the right to reparation for victims in a non-discriminatory way, in conformity with international standards; (b) take the necessary measures to guarantee the independence and the efficient functioning of the judicial system; and (c) guarantee the efficient implementation of the Justice and Peace Law, taking into account the clarifications given by the Constitutional Court. 52. South Africa noted that the rate of illiteracy among indigenous and Afro-Colombian groups is high and asked how the Government intends to address the disparities between indigenous and mainstream societies. It recommended (a) the acceleration of poverty alleviation programmes with a view to addressing the uneven distribution of wealth, access to health and the high level of social exclusion of indigenous and Afro-Colombian groups. It sought more information on how the Government intends to address the observation by the Committee on the Rights of the Child that the minimum age for marriage is too low. 53. Jamaica stated that it shared similar experiences with Colombia in addressing socioeconomic challenges at the national level, and applauded the efforts of the Government in human rights, notwithstanding the challenges faced, especially in combating crime and violence and in advancing social, economic and cultural rights. It noted steady, broad progress in response to some of these challenges, particularly the attention given to indigenous and Afro-Colombian groups, especially regarding their participation in the decision-making process, and expected that this would be further enhanced. It was pleased to note the emphasis on the attainment of the Millennium Development Goals and the advancement of human rights in Colombia. It stated that such a focus augured well for the realization of economic, social, cultural, civil and political rights, and merited commendation. Jamaica expected the international community to lend its support to Colombia as it seeks to provide an enabling environment for the full enjoyment of human rights. 54. Ireland recommended (a) full implementation of Presidential Directive 7 of 1999, and in particular that the Government give public recognition and support to human rights defenders, sanction those who make unsubstantiated allegations against human rights defenders, strengthen the protection programme and investigate and punish crimes against human rights defenders. It recommended (b) implementing the Constitutional Court order of May 2008 in relation to gender-based violence and, in particular, providing human rights protection for women victims of forced displacement; increasing measures to prevent sexual violence; and taking measures to ensure that those who use sexual violence are investigated and punished. Ireland expressed concerns about reports of extrajudicial executions of civilians by illegal armed groups and particularly about executions attributed to the armed forces. It recommended that the Government (c) implement urgently the recommendations of the High Commissioner for Human Rights of February 2008. Ireland further recommended that (d) the new national plan of action on human rights and international humanitarian law be used to address comprehensively the issue of extrajudicial killings. 55. Australia noted the clear indication of the importance and seriousness with which the Government regarded the universal periodic review. It recognized progress in human rights and that the High Commissioner for Human Rights had reported encouraging signs of improvement. It noted OHCHR reports that, although only one paramilitary group recognized in the negotiation process is still operating, new illegal armed groups represent active factors in intensifying the armed conflict. Concerned about reports that some armed forces members have links to these groups or take a tolerant attitude towards them, it recommended that the Government (a) implement effective means of dismantling all forms of illegal armed groups that have emerged