A/HRC/10/82 Page 9 asked whether the draft national plan of action on human rights envisages further measures to combat impunity and whether the new adversary criminal system had proved useful in handling the backlog of criminal cases. 25. Sweden noted the many non-governmental organizations represented at the review, demonstrating the readiness of the Government to engage actively with civil society. It noted, however, reports of human rights defenders, union activists and journalists being threatened, abducted or even killed, and therefore recommended that Colombia (a) intensify efforts to bring down the high number of enforced disappearances and kidnappings in the country, with particular attention to indigenous human rights defenders. Welcoming the work of the Government in drawing up a national action plan on human rights and international humanitarian law, it sought information on its implementation, and recommended (b) that efforts be intensified to complete the work on the plan in accordance with the recommendation from OHCHR, with particular attention to efforts to improve the situation of sexual violence against women. Welcoming efforts to end extrajudicial killings by illegal armed groups and the military, Sweden remained concerned by the continued serious breaches of international humanitarian law by paramilitary groups and guerrilla organizations. It asked about specific measures, and recommended that the Government (c) take all necessary measures to increase its efficiency in investigating and preventing extrajudicial killings. 26. The Philippines congratulated Colombia for the impressive decrease in violence indicated in the national report. It noted the comprehensive human rights and international humanitarian law policy, and pointed out that Colombia needs the continued constructive support and assistance of the international community to improve the promotion and protection of human rights. The Philippines recommended that Colombia (a) enhance human rights education programmes for citizens and the armed forces to promote a culture of peace and respect for human rights. 27. France stated that significant progress had been made in human rights. It was pleased that Colombia is party to the majority of conventions and at the establishment of formal dialogue with the European Union on human rights. It noted that the number of internally displaced persons in 2008 has grown, despite measures taken, and asked about conclusions drawn from the results of the current policy and about additional measures taken. It noted also that the Justice and Peace Law made possible the demobilization of about 31,000 paramilitaries and a considerable reduction in violence, but was concerned at the low rate of criminal prosecutions and that the rights of victims to justice, truth and reparations was not sufficiently integrated. It asked how the rights of victims would be specifically addressed. France recommended that Colombia (a) reopen dialogue with the representatives of civil society organizations to allow coordinated and rapid implementation of the National Plan of Action on Human Rights and International Humanitarian Law; (b) take effective measures to significantly reduce the number of extrajudicial executions and bring those responsible before civil jurisdictions; and (c) recognize and guarantee the legitimacy of the work of human rights defenders, as that of trade unions workers and journalists, and ensure their protection and that the violations of their rights are prosecuted. It noted the State’s commitment to ratifying the Convention on Enforced Disappearance and hoped it would do so rapidly. 28. Guatemala recognized the efforts to promote and protect human rights and fundamental freedoms. It noted several initiatives regarding Afro-Colombian and indigenous peoples, and that the Government recognized remaining challenges. It asked about the strengthening of the process of recognizing, promoting and raising awareness of the rights of Afro-descendent and indigenous