A/HRC/12/12 Page 11 50. Guatemala made reference to the conclusions of the Commission on Racism and the concerns expressed by Committee on the Elimination of Racial Discrimination and the Committee on the Elimination of Discrimination against Women at the lack of information on ethnic groups and indigenous women, and the recommendation to adopt measures for their protection and asked about measures taken in this regard. Guatemala also referred to the designation of a Parliamentary Commission for the Prison System, asking for more information on this experience. 51. Nicaragua noted the positive transformations in Uruguay’s internal legislation and institutional framework. Nicaragua recommended that Uruguay (a) continue to work on its national plans for social inclusion and poverty alleviation; (b) continue to promote gender equity and the empowerment of women in all decision-making processes and in the design of public policies. 52. Italy shared concerns expressed by the Committee on the Elimination of Discrimination against Women in regard to the persistence of discriminatory norms relating to marriage and sex crimes. It noted that several stakeholders expressed concerns regarding detention conditions in prisons. Italy recommended that Uruguay: (a) eliminate any forms of discriminatory norms against women from its legislation ; (b) accelerate efforts to combat human trafficking through integrated measures for prevention, prosecution and punishment of those responsible, as well as measures for the protection, rehabilitation and social reintegration of the victims; (c) take effective measures to improve the general situation in prisons and particularly the conditions under which women and children are detained. 53. Ukraine noted the achievements of Uruguay with regard to ensuring the rights of vulnerable groups, such as women, children, elderly persons, persons with disabilities, indigenous peoples, and persons of Africa descent. Ukraine recommended to the Government to (a) continue and strengthen its efforts directed to the further promotion and protection of the human rights; (b) continue to combat discrimination and violence against women; and (c) ensure their adequate representation in the high-level policy and decision-making institutions. 54. Nigeria commended Uruguay for the administrative and judicial reforms for the promotion and protection of human rights. Nigeria also made reference to challenges faced by Uruguay in the areas of poverty, sexual exploitation, marital rape and the sale of children, as described in its national report. Nigeria recommended that Uruguay: (a) establish a national human rights institution in line with the Paris Principles; and (b) ratify the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities as recommended by the Committee on the Elimination of Discrimination against Women. 55. The Uruguayan delegation said that the penitentiary situation is a matter of serious concern, and has been since the President declared a state of emergency at all prison centres. Uruguay made reference to measures adopted to humanize the conditions in the prisons, bringing them into line with international standards, as well as the investments in recent years in prison infrastructure which, despite the increase in inmates, have decreased overcrowding. The salary and numbers of prison staff has been increased. Despite continued overcrowding, 45 per cent of prisoners are now involved in education or employment programmes and food and medicine programmes are also available. Women detainees are given special attention and a maternal facility has been created. There is an alternative penalties bill which will allow greater application of house arrest and community work solutions. Uruguay further gave information and shared data on prisons in Uruguay, including on investments to improve the infrastructure.