A/HRC/16/6 43. According to Paraguay, the report showed that in Panama there was a convergence of different cultures, ethnic groups and credos from multiple parts of the world, attempting to ensure respect for the human rights of all. It expressed the view that the report adequately listed achievements, efforts, limitations and challenges faced in implementing public policies. It emphasized the role of the Panamanian Canal in the country’s development and stressed the need to increase social development programmes aimed at better redistribution of income. It inquired about the Plan for Land and Environment and the 2010-2014 Strategic Plan. 44. The delegation of Panama elaborated on issues that had been raised in the advance questions or during the interactive dialogue. With regard to the hydroelectric project Chan 75, in the province of Bocas del Toro, the Government had consulted with the Ngobe indigenous community, in compliance with national law and international standards. With respect to the Cerro Colorado Mining project, in the Ngobe Bugle area, it was still under study and undergoing technical verifications. Furthermore, the Government was in the process of consulting with the affected population and with local authorities. 45. Concerning the issue of education and health care for the most vulnerable groups, the delegation presented further information about specific indicators and programmes for the regions of Kuna Yala, Embera and Ngobe Bugle, where mainly indigenous populations live. 46. The delegation also provided further details about the Bocas del Toro incident of July 2010 and steps taken to eradicate child labour. 47. The Government guaranteed freedom of association, in compliance with ILO Convention No. 87. The law and the State encouraged the establishment of trade unions and recognized them as a means to contribute to economic and social development as well as to democracy in Panama. In addition, the Ministry of Labour was considering the possibility of establishing a council on labour issues as a tripartite body, in line with the standards set out in ILO Conventions Nos. 87 and 98. 48. Argentina congratulated Panama on its achievements in the field of human rights, including the amendment of the Penal Code, the repeal of legislation and the adoption of a law on domestic violence. Argentina was interested to know whether Panama would adopt additional measures to reduce gender violence, punish perpetrators and protect victims. It also asked about measures to guarantee access for indigenous communities to economic, social and cultural rights. Argentina made recommendations. 49. Chile highlighted Panama’s commitment and concrete measures in the promotion and protection of all human rights. It noted the legislative modifications relating to domestic violence, the inclusion in national legislation of a definition of discrimination and the establishment of a National Institute for Women. Chile also highlighted the recent process for the legalization of undocumented foreigners, which had helped some 20,000 persons. It commended Panama for its accession to the Optional Protocol on the Convention against Torture. Chile made recommendations. 50. Spain emphasized the fact that Panama was a stable democracy in which the rule and the supremacy of law were guaranteed and citizens enjoyed broad rights and freedoms. It also noted that Panama was a party to most instruments in the field of human rights, that it had fully abolished the death penalty, and that it had established an extensive edifice of institutions ensuring a high level of human rights protection. Spain made recommendations. 51. Slovenia congratulated Panama on the “A” status accreditation of the Office of the Ombudsman and on being among the initial co-sponsors of the resolution on the World Programme for Human Rights Education. Slovenia invited Panama to step up efforts to implement the resolution, including through the preparation of a national plan and reports. 9