A/HRC/16/6 37. The United Kingdom welcomed Panama’s signature of the Optional Protocol to the Convention against Torture and Other Cruel, Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment. It emphasized the large number of people, particularly in indigenous communities, still living in poverty, with poor education and health facilities. It asked whether the incidents that had occurred during the protests against Law 30 in Changuinola in July would be fully investigated. The United Kingdom expressed concerns about the law, in particular regarding its negative impact on the environment and on the rights of workers. It welcomed the revision of Panama’s penal code, but expressed concerns about prison conditions and the length of time provided for courts to pass sentences. It made recommendations. 38. Italy acknowledged with appreciation that Panama had achieved the Millennium Development Goal on education and encouraged the authorities to adopt effective measures to reduce the high dropout rate at the secondary school level. Italy also noted that the prison population exceeded the capacity of the 22 prisons, the fact that many prisoners were awaiting trial owing to judicial delays and the widespread use of pre-trial detention. It asked for further information about the participation of civil society in the country, including the role of indigenous communities. Italy made recommendations. 39. Uruguay praised Panama for having adopted measures such as the establishment of innovative primary health-care centres and the development of a new identification and registration system for children. It welcomed Panama’s recent accession to the Optional Protocol to the Convention against Torture. Uruguay asked whether Panama was considering issuing a standing invitation to all special procedures. It commended the country for the increased school coverage, but noted the challenges in that area. Uruguay inquired about measures taken to ensure access to drinking water and sanitation, particularly for those living in remote areas. Uruguay made recommendations. 40. The United States of America welcomed the creation of the Women’s National Institute and the work of 29 other offices in designing and conducting policies on equal opportunities for women. It welcomed Panama’s engagement with civil society in modifying Law 30, but expressed concern that the law had been adopted without consulting labour organizations and other stakeholders. It expressed concern at the alleged excessive use of force by the police against the Banana Industry Workers Union and indigenous communities in the July 2010 Bocas del Toro events, and looked forward to the report of the independent investigative commission thereon. The United States made recommendations. 41. Nicaragua highlighted the important reform process carried out by Panama in recent years within the normative and institutional frameworks. In particular, it recognized efforts made in the field of the administration of justice through the promulgation of a new Penal Code. Nicaragua also noted efforts made to improve a policy of national inclusion and nondiscrimination, as well as efforts to improve the situation of migrant workers. It urged Panama to view the universal periodic review exercise as a valuable tool that could enable the country to evaluate gaps in the promotion and protection of human rights. Nicaragua made recommendations. 42. Guatemala highlighted Panama’s efforts to expand its constitutional and legislative framework in key areas to strengthen the protection of human rights. It inquired how the recently established National Institute for Women, the Ombudsman’s Office and the National Council for Black Ethnic Group effectively covered the national territory. Guatemala noted with interest the social development programmes being carried out. It praised the attention given to bilingual, intercultural education for indigenous communities. It acknowledged the steps taken to ensure public security and requested further information about the actions taken in that regard. Guatemala made a recommendation. 8