A/HRC/14/5 65. Argentina noted El Salvador’s policies aimed at truth, justice and reparations for victims of human rights violations perpetrated during the armed conflict. It highlighted the official recognition that agents belonging to public institutions and other paramilitary organizations had committed serious human rights violations and abuse of power. In that regard, it inquired about the possibility of reflecting on the derogation of the amnesty law. Argentina also inquired about measures to decrease gender discrimination and eradicate violence against women, as well as about the possibility of introducing a gender perspective with regard to HIV/AIDS prevention and treatment. It made recommendations. 66. Ukraine commended the efforts by El Salvador to protect and promote human rights, including by strengthening legislation, combating discrimination, promoting gender equality, protecting children’s rights and taking measures to combat poverty. It noted with concern the serious problem of femicide. Ukraine made recommendations. 67. Luxembourg congratulated El Salvador on the adoption of the recent law aimed at the protection of children and welcomed the recent improvements in the areas of school attendance rates, security and violence against women and children. It expressed concern at the high murder rates. Luxembourg highlighted the solid partnership it had established with El Salvador in terms of development and cooperation aimed at achieving the Millennium Development Goals. That partnership would promote the right to education, health care and good governance. Luxembourg made recommendations. 68. Iraq welcomed the Government’s participation in the Inter-American system for the promotion of human rights and noted the adoption of a number of laws in accordance with international standards. It requested information about available mechanisms for protecting the freedom of expression and the role of justice in that regard. Iraq made recommendations. 69. Guatemala congratulated the Government on its efforts to ensure compliance with the recommendations and decisions of the Inter-American human rights system. Guatemala noted that the working group against enforced disappearances had visited El Salvador in 2007, but that no report following its recommendations had been submitted by the Government. Guatemala highlighted the efforts of the Procuraduría General de la República and other institutions to provide access to justice, and asked about actions taken to ensure access to justice for indigenous peoples. Guatemala made recommendations. 70. China commended El Salvador for having taken measures to promote and protect human rights. It also commended the country for its efforts and achievements in terms of strengthening training for judicial personnel, combating poverty, raising the school attendance rate, improving public health, promoting social welfare to support poor families and protecting vulnerable groups. China noted that El Salvador was confronted with numerous difficulties and challenges in relation to its judicial system. China asked what specific measures would be adopted to address the lack of a rational legal system. 71. Slovakia expressed concern at the increasing number of attacks against human rights defenders, especially those criticizing the Government or important business groups, and encouraged the Government to guarantee their legitimacy and ensure their protection. It also noted that perpetrators were often not held accountable. It welcomed the abolition of the death penalty for ordinary crimes in 1983 and its non-application since 1973. With respect to conditions in detention centres and prisons, it deplored the lack of necessary infrastructure, which had resulted in overcrowding. Slovakia made recommendations. 72. Latvia noted with appreciation the open spirit of El Salvador in addressing human rights challenges. It welcomed the country’s announcement that it would extend a standing invitation to all special procedures of the Human Rights Council and invited all other countries to follow that commendable example. 73. Costa Rica recognized efforts taken by El Salvador to combat poverty and decrease inequalities in the country. It also welcomed the country’s system of universal social 11