A/HRC/16/6 It also expressed concern about the persistence of child labour and asked for information about measures taken in that field in addition to the efforts referred to in the national report. Slovenia made recommendations. 52. The Netherlands expressed concerns about the high number of persons held in prisons still awaiting trial, the overburdened prison system and the fact that convicted persons were not separated from those awaiting trial. It acknowledged the steps taken by Panama to eliminate child labour, but noted with concern the observation by the Human Rights Committee that child labour persisted. The Netherlands expressed concerns about union rights and the barriers hampering the formation of trade unions. It also noted that the Government had allegedly exercised influence over the appointment of union leaders. The Netherlands made recommendations. 53. Latvia noted with satisfaction Panama’s firm commitment to protecting and promoting human rights. With reference to the concluding observations of the Committee on the Elimination of Racial Discrimination, Latvia also noted Panama’s collaboration with OHCHR since the establishment of its Regional Office there in 2007, as well as other aspects such as the creation of new institutions to combat discrimination and to protect and promote human rights. Latvia made a recommendation. 54. Colombia noted in particular the efforts aimed at the adoption of a new Penal Code and the establishment of a new criminal justice system that would more effectively combat common crimes and terrorism. It assured Panama of its continued cooperation. Colombia asked for further information about the impact and usefulness of information compiled by the Observatory against Gender Violence in the development of public policies against that phenomenon. It highlighted the implementation of the programme for regularizing migrants, “Panama Crisol de Razas”, which had benefited thousands of Colombians, and congratulated Panama on its commitment to migrant rights. Colombia made recommendations. 55. Peru acknowledged the actions taken by Panama to reduce poverty. It highlighted the establishment of the National Secretariat for Children and Adolescence, the National Institute for Women and the Secretariat and the National Council for Persons with Disabilities. It commended the universal and free access to health care for children up to the age of 5, pregnant women and women who have just given birth, persons with disabilities and indigenous peoples. Peru requested further details about the scope of programmes such as “Weapons against food vouchers”, “Telemedicine in prisons” and “Innovative Primary Health Care Centres”. It made recommendations. 56. Costa Rica particularly commended Panama for the 2010-2014 Strategic Plan focusing on the most vulnerable groups. It also acknowledged the existence of the National Secretariat on Children, Adolescents and the Family, the National Institute for Women and the National Secretariat for the Social Integration of Persons with Disabilities. Costa Rica welcomed the efforts to reduce poverty and to increase the coverage and the quality of education, and commended Panama’s signature of the Optional Protocol to the Convention against Torture. It urged Panama to increase its efforts regarding sexual violence, mistreatment and child abuse. Costa Rica made recommendations. 57. Ecuador acknowledged the efforts made by Panama in recent years to strengthen its human rights system. This was reflected in the creation of bodies to ensure such protection. It took note of Government plans and programmes to eradicate child labour as well as to promote respect for women’s rights. Ecuador also highlighted Panama’s efforts to combat gender violence and labour discrimination. Important efforts had also been made in protecting the rights of indigenous peoples and their traditions and customs, particularly by recognizing an indigenous judicial system and the right to territory, through territorial delimitation to benefit these ancestral peoples. Ecuador made recommendations. 10