A/HRC/14/5
budgets at both national and municipal levels, and to include civil society organizations and
local networks in the process.
51.
El Salvador had been engaged in a technical discussion regarding the possible lifting
of its reservations to the Cairo Plan of Action and would soon consider a final political
decision on the matter. The Instituto de Desarrollo de la Mujer had been designated to lead
national efforts to combat discrimination against women and girls, including by furthering
the country’s compliance with the recommendations of the Committee on the Elimination
of Discrimination against Women and reactivating the legislative debate on the ratification
of the optional Protocol to the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of
Discrimination against Women. Its institutional budget had recently been increased
accordingly.
52.
The delegation highlighted the fact that most attacks and threats made against
human rights defenders were under investigation, adding that the complaints filed had
enabled the Government to provide protection for a number of victims. The Government
had further increased protection for the Ombudsman, who had also received threats, and
had redoubled its efforts to strengthen that Office.
53.
The President of the Republic had signed a decree establishing a national
commission to search for children who disappeared during the armed conflict, in
accordance with the standards set by the Inter-American Human Rights Court. El Salvador
now recognized the full authority and binding nature of the Court’s recommendations and
had moved forward with dialogues with the claimants in various cases currently being
heard by the Inter-American Commission.
54.
El Salvador mentioned its efforts to protect and guarantee the rights of persons with
disabilities. It highlighted the fact that the Secretariat for Social Inclusion was tasked with
promoting the human rights of groups generally excluded or marginalized, including
persons with disabilities, senior citizens, children, indigenous peoples and persons affected
by discrimination as a result of their sexual orientation.
55.
France inquired how, when and under what modalities the Government would meet
its commitments to recognizing and compensating the victims of the civil war and queried
as to the exact mandate and composition of the National Commission to Search for
Disappeared Children. It noted that violence against women and children remained a severe
social problem and requested information about the financial and human resources to be
allocated to the implementation of the Act on the Comprehensive Protection of Children
and Adolescents. France made recommendations.
56.
Belarus stated that, although El Salvador faced a number of problems in protecting
human rights, the country was determined to continue to enforce the rule of law and to
strengthen democracy. Belarus noted with satisfaction the steps taken by El Salvador to
strengthen both the legislative and the judicial bases for human rights. It welcomed the
steps taken to eliminate illiteracy, improve health services, and combat poverty and
trafficking. Belarus stated that additional effort was needed with regard to public security
and in the area of women and children. Belarus made recommendations.
57.
Chile highlighted the Government's commitment to developing a policy that fully
recognized its international obligations in the field of human rights, as well as the right to
the truth, to access to justice and to adequate reparations. Chile cited poverty as one of the
major challenges that El Salvador faces and praised the Communities in Solidarity
Programme. In addition, it welcomed the Government’s decision to extend a standing
invitation to United Nations special procedures mandate holders. Chile made
recommendations.
58.
Ireland welcomed with satisfaction the adoption of the Act on the Comprehensive
Protection of Children and Adolescents. Looking forward to its entry into force in April
2010, it regretted the lack of financial resources allocated for its implementation,
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